How long will porting take?

Transferring your new phone number from Number Shack to your chosen provider can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The specific timeframe depends on several factors, including the carriers involved and the accuracy of submitted information.

Factors Affecting Porting Time:

• Carriers involved: Different carriers have varying internal processes and communication protocols, impacting porting times.
• Information accuracy: Incomplete or inaccurate information can lead to delays and require additional verification steps.
• Manual process: While online options exist, many carriers still utilize manual processes for porting, potentially causing delays.

Recommendations for Efficient Porting:

• Online portal: Whenever possible, initiate the port request through your carrier's online portal for faster and more accurate processing.
• Direct contact: If the online portal is unavailable, contact your carrier's customer service directly to initiate the port.
• Avoid retail stores: Porting requests often face greater error rates and delays when initiated at retail stores.
• Port Out Certificate (POC): Number Shack provides a comprehensive POC document containing all necessary information for a successful port request.

Carrier Verification and Communication:

• Each carrier has its own verification procedures and communication protocols, which may vary in clarity and timeliness.
• Number Shack recommends reviewing their compiled list of specific porting requirements for different carriers.

Choosing your carrier:

• When selecting your carrier, consider their regulatory compliance, connectivity strength, and deliverability track record.
• Larger carriers often have dedicated "port fallout" departments equipped to handle errors and expedite the porting process.

Important reminders:

• Promotional materials: Wait until the porting process is complete and you have ownership of the new number before ordering promotional materials or advertising it.
• FOC date: Number Shack has no control over the FOC (Firm Order Commitment) date negotiated between your carrier and their carrier.
• Porting delays: Delays beyond Number Shack's control can occur, so plan accordingly.

By understanding these factors and following the recommendations provided, you can ensure a smooth and efficient porting process for your new phone number.