When switching to a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone system, many Australian businesses wonder if they can keep their existing phone number. The good news is that in most cases, you can retain your old phone number through a process called number porting. This means your customers and contacts can continue to reach you on the same number, even though your phone system is now internet-based rather than tied to traditional phone lines.
Keeping your old number is important for business continuity. Changing phone numbers can disrupt communication, confuse customers, and potentially lead to lost sales or missed opportunities. For example, if your marketing materials, website, or business cards display your current number, changing it without notice can reduce trust and create unnecessary downtime. Ensuring a smooth transition with your number intact helps maintain your professional image and keeps your team reachable without interruption.
How Number Porting Works in Practice
Consider a typical Australian business with 50 employees that decides to move from a legacy phone system to VoIP. They want to keep their main office number because it's well known among clients. Their IT provider coordinates the porting process by submitting a request to the current phone provider. During this time, the IT provider schedules the cutover carefully to avoid downtime, tests the new VoIP system, and confirms the number is fully functional after the switch. This coordination reduces risk and ensures staff can continue working without phone disruptions.
Without proper management, businesses may face delays or lose their number temporarily, leading to frustrated customers and lost calls. A good IT partner understands Australian telecommunications regulations and works closely with carriers to streamline this process.
Checklist: What to Do When Moving Your Number to VoIP
- Ask your IT provider: Can you port our existing numbers to the VoIP service? What is the expected timeline and any potential downtime?
- Check your current phone contract: Are there any termination fees or notice periods that could delay porting?
- Verify number ownership: Ensure your business officially owns the number to avoid disputes during porting.
- Plan the cutover: Schedule the switch during low business hours to minimise impact.
- Test the new system: Confirm calls to and from the ported number work correctly before fully switching over.
- Update contact points: Review your website, email signatures, and marketing materials to confirm the number remains consistent.
Why This Matters for Australian SMBs
For small and mid-sized businesses, phone communication is often critical to daily operations. Maintaining your existing phone number when moving to VoIP helps protect your brand reputation and customer relationships. It also reduces the risk of lost calls that could impact revenue or customer satisfaction. Working with an experienced IT provider who understands number porting and the local telecommunications landscape can make this transition smoother and less stressful.
If you're considering switching to VoIP, speak with a trusted managed IT provider or IT advisor. They can guide you through the number porting process, help you avoid common pitfalls, and ensure your business stays connected throughout the change.