Yes. When switching to Medtel’s M-Cloud, you will most likely want to keep your existing phone number(s). If so, you will need to take action to transfer your phone number(s) from one provider to the other. You can transfer (port) your existing toll-free or local phone numbers to Medtel. The porting process takes approximately 7-10 days depending on your current provider.
This process, called ‘porting’, typically occurs without any issues. However, there are certain cases where it’s not possible to keep your business phone number.
Checking for Number Portability
There are a few scenarios where porting a number may not be possible:
- If you are moving to a new geographic area.
- If you are using a rural wireline service provider.
Questions to Ask
- Have you ever had issues with number porting?
- Are you in a rural, or remote area outside of a major metropolitan area?
If you are not sure, Medtel can look up your phone number to verify portability.
What if My Number is Not Portable?
There could be additional costs depending the scenario.
- Number Forwarding
-
-
- Medtel can forward your existing phone number to a new phone number.
- This requires that you continue to pay both your existing phone provider and Medtel Communications for phone service.
-
- Purchase a new DID (direct inward dial) phone number from Medtel Communications, and have your current carrier forward the calls to the new number.
-
-
- Medtel charges $50 per DID
- Some carriers offer unlimited call forwarding for no charge, or there could be a fee. Be advised, each carrier is different and there may be a limit to how many numbers they will allow you to forward.
-
- Purchase IVR without M-Cloud Phone Service
-
- Customers have the option to subscribe to Medtel’s IVRx service without M-Cloud phone service.
- This requires Medtel to establish a connection between the IVR and your phone system and setup can vary based on complexity. There could be additional costs depending the scenario.
- Tips
- Check with your current provider to find out if there are any early termination fees for closing your account with them.
- Do not terminate the service with your current provider until after your numbers have been successfully ported to your new provider. This will ensure a seamless transition.
- Per the FCC, once you request service from a new company, your old company cannot refuse to port your number, even if you owe money for an outstanding balance or termination fee.
