--- title: "Number Porting Guide -What to Expect and How We Work With You" slug: "number-porting-guide-what-to-expect-and-how-we-work-with-you" tags: ["calltower", "public"] updated: 2026-07-27T12:59:35Z published: 2026-07-27T12:59:35Z canonical: "learn.calltower.com/number-porting-guide-what-to-expect-and-how-we-work-with-you" stale: true --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://learn.calltower.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Number Porting Guide -What to Expect and How We Work With You ## Purpose This guide explains **how CallTower manages number porting** and what is needed from you to ensure a smooth and timely transition of your phone numbers. Number porting is a coordinated process involving CallTower, your current carrier, and industry partners. Clear information, accurate documentation, and timely communication are essential to avoid delays and service disruption. This guide applies to: - Domestic, toll‑free, and international ports - Customers both **before** and **after** service activation ## Overview of Number Porting at CallTower **Local Number Portability (LNP)** allows you to keep your existing phone numbers when moving service to CallTower. Porting is a multi‑step process that depends on: - Accurate information from your current carrier - Proper setup of your CallTower services - Coordination with external carriers A successful port requires: - Complete and correct documentation - Clear confirmation of dates and timing - Coordination between all parties involved ## Getting Started: What We Need From You Providing accurate information upfront is the most important step in a successful port. Before your request is submitted, we will confirm: - Your account status and readiness - That all required documents are complete and current - That the requested port date falls within standard timelines If any information is missing or incorrect, the port may be delayed until it is corrected. ## What CallTower Does During the Porting Process Once your request is submitted: - CallTower submits your port request to your current carrier - Your carrier reviews the request and either approves it or requests corrections - Once approved, your carrier provides a **Firm Order Commitment (FOC)** confirming the port date - CallTower prepares your service so numbers can be activated on the scheduled date On the day of the port: - The port is monitored to completion - Test calls are performed when possible - You are notified once the port is complete ## Porting Timelines & Operating Hours ### Standard Operating Hours Porting activity is scheduled during the following times: - **Monday–Thursday:** 8:00am–5:00pm ET - **Friday:** 8:00am–2:00pm ET --- #### Submission Lead Times - **Domestic DID & Toll‑Free (US/Canada):** - Minimum **8 business days** before requested port date - Maximum **30 days** out - **International ports:** - Typically require **30 days** before the requested port date --- ### Carrier Response Time Estimates Carrier response times vary and are outside CallTower’s control: - **Domestic ports** - 1–50 numbers: ~8–10 business days - 50–199 numbers: ~15–20 business days - 200+ numbers: ~20 business days - **International ports** - Initial update: ~12–14 business days - FOC confirmation: ~20–25 business days (barring rejections) --- ### Rejections & Resubmissions If a port request is rejected: - The issue must be corrected and resubmitted - The timeline **restarts** once resubmitted - A new port date may be required ## Required Documentation & Quality Standards **Required Documents** To submit a port request, the following are required: - **Letter of Authorization (LOA)** - Signed and dated within the last **30 days** - Must list **all numbers being ported** - **Invoice or Customer Service Record (CSR)** - Dated within the last **30 days** Incomplete or outdated documents are a common cause of delays. --- **Number Formatting Requirements** - **Domestic numbers:** 10‑digit format, no spaces or special characters - **International numbers:** Listed individually with country code (no “+”) --- **Port Dates** - A requested port date is required for all ports - Dates must fall within standard operating hours and timelines ## International Porting Requirements International ports often require **additional documentation**, which varies by country. Examples may include: - Country‑specific LOA forms - Proof of identity - Business registration documents - Full service address These requirements must be provided **before submission** to avoid delays. ## Tools & Systems Used by CallTower To manage your port, CallTower uses industry‑standard systems to: - Track your request - Coordinate with carriers - Prepare your service for activation You do not need direct access to these systems — CallTower manages this on your behalf. ## Support & Resources If you have questions during the porting process: - Your CallTower representative will keep you informed of progress - Additional information may be requested if required by your carrier Helpful resources: - [**Number Porting Tips & Best Practices**](/v1/docs/calltower-porting-number-tips) - [**How to Intiate a Port Order or Request New Numbers**](/v1/docs/how-to-initiate-a-port-order-or-request-new-numbers) ## Final Note Number porting is a regulated process involving multiple carriers and systems. While timelines may vary, providing complete and accurate information upfront greatly reduces delays and helps ensure a smooth transition. CallTower is committed to guiding you through the process and minimizing disruption whenever possible. Direct Inward Dialing (DID) is a telecommunication service that allows a phone number to be assigned to a specific phone line within a private branch exchange (PBX), enabling direct calls to that line without going through a receptionist.