Phone number portability was instituted by the FCC in 1993. It granted ownership of a toll free phone number to the company who uses the number, not the telephone service provider. Prior to 1993, companies found themselves tethered to their phone company for years, as switching providers would have caused serious disruptions in their business.
Now, thanks to portability, companies can transfer their toll free phone numbers to any carrier they choose without the risk of losing the equity they’ve built over the years with their primary 1-800 number. If you’re looking to transfer toll free numbers, it is a simple process and can be completed without interrupting service.
Toll Free Number Transfer Requirements
Once you’ve chosen your new service provider, it will be necessary to complete a Responsible Organization Change Authorization.Responsible Organizations, also known as RespOrgs, maintain toll free phone number registrations in the United States. The RespOrg system was created in 1993 as part of the toll-free portability program. As a customer, you will have to fill out all of the information on the form regarding your business and current provider. Check and double-check the details to be sure everything is correct, as a single error could lead to a rejection of the toll free number porting.
Once you’ve completed the form, send it to your new carrier. Some providers will require extra information, such as a copy of the most recent phone bill associated with your toll free phone number. Be sure you gather all of the necessary forms and documents to ensure a smooth transition porting your toll free numbers.
How Long Does It Take to Transfer Toll Free Numbers?
It can take as few as three days and as many as 21 days to complete a successful toll free number transfer. It’s important to be patient, but keep in touch with your new provider so that you know the status of your transfer. Do not cancel your service with your current toll free provider until you have received confirmation in writing from your new carrier that the transfer was completed successfully.
The NASC Backup Plan For Transferring Toll Free Numbers
While most toll free number transfers are smooth, some customers find themselves up against roadblocks. Some carriers may refuse to release the telephone number through the RespOrg authorization process. In that case, customers will have to work with the Number Administration Service Center (NASC) in order to transfer their toll free phone number to a new provider.
The RespOrg process is free, but the NASC process does involve a fee. That fee will be charged by the NASC to your new carrier, who will pass that fee along to you, the customer. Exact costs will vary depending upon the provider, so it will be important to ask your new carrier what their NASC fees are before you decide to transfer your toll free numbers, just in case your initial authorization is declined.
Transfer Your Toll Free Phone Number
While it is relatively easy to transfer providers for your toll free phone number, in order to ensure your service is not interrupted and you can continue to own your number, you must conduct a bit of up-front research to choose the best new carrier, understand their possible NASC fees, and you must have your timeline in place for your transfer. Never cancel service with your old provider until you’ve received your confirmation from your new carrier that they now manage your toll free phone number.
Can I Transfer My Existing Toll Free Numbers to TollFreeFowarding.com?
We can quickly transfer all your existing toll free numbers so you don’t have to miss any calls during the process. Contact us about transferring (or porting) your toll free numbers, and our team will have you up and running in no time.
Can I Transfer my TollFreeForwarding.com Phone Numbers to Another Carrier?
Once you have paid for your service on that number for 90 days, you can port any toll free numbers to the carrier of your choosing. We are not always notified when numbers are transferred away, so you will need to inform us when the toll free number porting is complete to avoid any further charges.
