Number porting an Irish number between providers can be a very straightforward process. If you want to make sure that this is done as quickly as possible, there are a few important details to note.
Please Note
Number porting is a relatively standardised process across all providers mobile and fixed. In this post we will explore that process with Blueface.
Porting a number is moving your phone number from one phone network provider to another. This post will explain the details about porting your telephone numbers to help you to speed up the process.
What is a Number Porting Form?
The first step for porting a number to Blueface is to fill in a Porting Form. This form is important because it’s a document that gives the Blueface porting department the authorisation to request to move your number to the Blueface network.
This document also confirms exactly what numbers you wish to migrate. If Blueface has all the requisite information, the porting department can move forward and make the request to your incumbent provider.
Proof of Ownership for Number Porting
On the porting form, you will be asked to upload a copy of a recent bill. Blueface requires proof of ownership over a number before the porting department can make their request. A scanned copy of your bill is ideal, but a clear photo of the bill works too.
If a detailed bill quoting the number is not available, it is still possible to make a request to port your number. An email or letter from your incumbent provider, with proof of number ownership, the UAN and name linked to the account, will suffice. We can also accept a screenshot of your online account.
The most important thing is that we see confirmation that the number you are porting is owned by you.
UAN (Universal Account Number)
When submitting a port request, you will need to advise on a UAN for each number/range of numbers you wish to port.
Consider a UAN, Account Number, Code, Customer Number or PRAN number, like a key to unlock the porting ability.
Across all porting desks in Ireland, this code is required to allow a port to be actioned.
If you can’t find UAN details, that’s OK! Simply contact the provider that your numbers are with now. They will know exactly what you need to port and they have access to all of your account information at hand.
Additional Services on the Line
If the line-based number you wish to port has other services connected to the line, these services will cease when you port this number. Additional line-dependent services include broadband, a credit card machine, alarm or lifts, for a comprehensive list check out this link.
If you are unsure as to whether your numbers have services attached, please contact your incumbent provider for information.
If you have a broadband line connected to a number that you wish to port, you will need to ensure that this is separated before you try to port. This is so that your broadband is not compromised after the numbers port to Blueface.
UAN Issues
In some cases, the UAN provided on your bill can turn out to be incorrect. An incorrect UAN will cause a ΓÇÿporting request rejection when Blueface attempt to port your number. This can happen when internal records are not up to date across each of your incumbent provider’s departments.
This is not uncommon, and it’s nothing to worry about. An incorrect UAN will not prevent a number from porting altogether. However, there will be a delay until the correct UAN has been identified.
Please Note!
Due to strict Data Protection Laws, only an account holder can request sensitive account information such as the UAN. This means that unfortunately, no one at Blueface can request this information on your behalf.
By getting in touch with your provider to request the correct information, it won’t take long to rectify this as they have access to all of your details. As soon as the new UAN has been identified, Blueface can move forward with the porting request.
Orders on the Line
Another reason that a request might not get accepted straight away by your incumbent provider would be due to a pending order on the line. This is a generic term to state that there is an order in progress on your account and it will need to be cleared before a port request is accepted.
A pending order can cover a wide range of issues from payments pending on your account, to a cancellation order in progress.
If a port request gets rejected due to a pending order on the line, the account holder will need to follow up. The user incumbent provider should address what this is and get a timeframe for a resolution. When the pending order is removed the port can then be requested again.
Remember to Close Your Existing Provider Account
Porting your number away will not close your account, or stand as a cancellation notice. If you wish to close your account fully with your incumbent provider you will need to contact your accounts department to cancel formally.
Each provider will have their own terms around cancellations and notice periods. Be sure to read the terms of your contract so you don’t encounter cancellation fees or a breach of contract.
Ready for Number Porting?
Your number will stay on your old network and continue to work on your legacy devices until it’s ported over to Blueface. When your new phones have been installed and connected you should be ready to have your number port over from your incumbent provider to Blueface.
Once your hardware is received, you can connect it and conduct checks to ensure active connection. If the phone has a dial tone and registers correctly, you are ready to start the porting process with Blueface.
Your phone will work before your phone number is ported, because it will have an active sip line with Blueface.
Wait! There’s More to Number Porting…
Once a porting form is submitted, it will be reviewed and you will be asked for a date. This date and time will then be scheduled if applicable.
There is a 24 hours time frame if the request is accepted by your incumbent provider immediately. If you are porting over 10 numbers, there will be a 3 working day lead time minimum.
Before your number ports, we can direct the number to the right call flow for you. This means that when your number is released by your incumbent provider, so no downtime.
The Blueface Number Porting Department will be dealing with the request. So, if you have any questions you can reach out on +35315242000 and dialling option 4.
Contingency Plan
If your phones are down or not connected to the internet at the time of port, this will mean that you will encounter missed calls. We can always divert your number to an offnet mobile or landline number in the meantime to ensure you have service on your number. This is a temporary measure until you get your phones connected.
Going International? Get Virtual Numbers!
When porting any Irish number, there are strict SLA’s which providers follow. Timeframes mentioned above vary when porting an International number. The requests encounter a longer response time from the incumbent provider and requests can be rejected for many reasons.
This is an important piece of information to note if you are considering to cancel service before the port request has been accepted.
