Gone are the days of changing your number every time you switch carriers. Nowadays, a phone number can be kept for a long time, despite changes in carriers and/or places of residence. This is good news for users as well as companies that practice SMS marketing. What is portability, how does it work, and what are its main advantages? We will explain everything in this article.
What is a ported mobile phone number?
Portability involves transferring a mobile or landline phone number from one network provider to another. For instance, if you have a phone subscription with a mobile operator X, but you wish to switch to another operator Y, you can keep the phone number that was initially assigned to you at X. Once the porting is done, this same number will remain yours, your old provider will close your account and mark in their database your contact as a number ported to another network.
For portability, the options are:
- Transfer a mobile phone number from one carrier to another;
- Transfer a landline phone number from one carrier to another or from one location to another (relocation);
How does portability work?
In the United Kingdom:
You need to solicit a Porting Authorisation Code, commonly known as PAC, from your present provider. You can acquire this code by either making a phone call or sending a text message. Your network might ask you to authenticate your details, and once confirmed, your PAC will be granted within a few hours. Next, reach out to your new service provider and furnish them with the PAC. They will then liaise with your current network, confirm the transfer, and issue a new SIM card to you.
In the USA
Ensure that your current number is operational. If it’s deactivated, transitioning to a different provider won’t be possible. It’s also beneficial to verify that you have no pending payments.
Subsequently, gather the relevant information your new provider may require. These details might include your name, billing address, most recent statement, account number, and the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) of your mobile phone. Contact your preferred service provider and notify them. They will coordinate with your existing mobile service company and take care of the remaining procedures.
The advantages of portability
Portability is a major advantage for both individuals and companies, as it saves them from having to change their phone number when they switch to a new operator. Before portability was implemented, the compulsory change of number could be a problem because everyone had to be informed of the new number. Today, this constraint no longer exists and allows everyone to keep their initial number.
For users, the advantage is also being able to benefit from a particular tariff offer with a new operator, while keeping their basic number. Moreover, portability also saves them from having to deal with termination procedures as with the RIO, it is the new operator who takes care of it.
Finally, in the context of SMS marketing, portability is a valuable asset, as it allows users to keep the same phone number for a long time, thus saving companies from having to delete or modify a customer’s number. Thus, porting contributes
