Which VoIP service lets you keep your landline phone number?

Switching home phone numbers is a hassle that involves notifying a long list of connections of your updated contact information. But if you’re interested in upgrading your home phone service to VoIP, you don’t have to give up your old landline number. In fact, most VoIP providers let you transfer (port) your phone number.

The process of number porting varies by provider, and some companies make it simpler than others. In this post, we lay out the number porting process for five popular home VoIP services so you know what to expect from each. We also outline the specifics on how to switch from a landline service to VoIP, including testing your internet connection speed and shopping for the right equipment.

How to switch from a traditional landline to VoIP service.

Making the switch is straightforward. Here are the steps to quickly begin enjoying the benefits of VoIP home phone service.

1. Test your internet connection speed

Since VoIP calls travel through the internet, having a stable, fast internet connection will ensure you get the most out of your system. For best service, your connection speed should meet or exceed 384kbps both upstream and downstream. You can test your internet connection speed right now using Ooma’s tool.

2. Select a VoIP service provider

This step is the most important one. While some residential VoIP phone service providers are committed to providing quality service at a fair price, others cut corners, resulting in poor voice quality and below-average customer service.

Current customers are one of the best sources of information about providers you’re considering signing up with. Read online reviews written by existing customers to find out the following:

• How is the voice quality?
• Do they ever have connection issues?
• Are there any hidden fees?
• Is customer service responsive and helpful?
• How secure is their VoIP service?

Another way to evaluate VoIP service providers is to visit their websites. Look for a website that appears professional and is easy to navigate. Check to see if they have multiple ways to contact customer service, seven days a week, 24/7 via live chat. Explore their content to see if they offer helpful resources.

3. Purchase the right equipment

To start making VoIP calls, you’ll likely need a base station, which is usually the only piece of hardware you’ll need to purchase from your provider. The base station takes your analog voice data and converts it into small data packets that are then transmitted through your internet connection. This device plugs directly into your internet router. 

You can purchase a phone that’s designed specifically to work with VoIP calls, but you don’t have to. Most residential home phones are already compatible with VoIP and plug directly into the base station. Once they’re plugged in, they work the same way they would when using a traditional landline home phone service. Additionally, you can make VoIP calls on your mobile devices and computer using your VoIP provider’s app.

4. Follow your provider’s instructions to port over your existing home phone number

Most secure VoIP services let you keep your landline phone number, but the process to transfer your phone number varies depending on which company you choose. We’ll cover the number porting process for five VoIP home phone providers in the next section. If you’d prefer to start fresh with a new home phone number, most VoIP services will provide one free of charge.

Read Low-Cost Landline Alternative for Seniors to learn how VoIP is ideal as a home phone service for seniors!

VoIP services that let you keep your landline phone number.

You’ll want to research the number porting process for each of the VoIP providers you’re considering. Here, we share the number porting process for five VoIP services that let you keep your landline phone number.

Ooma’s process for porting:

1. Log into your Ooma account, select the number port option, and enter the number you’d like to port over.
2. Complete a Letter of Authorization form.
3. Pay the number porting fee online. Number porting for an Ooma Premier subscription is free. A one-time payment of $39.99 is for those on the Ooma Basic plan service.
4. Approximately two weeks later, Ooma will provide you with the date your home phone number will be officially ported to Ooma.
5. After that date, you can cancel your old landline phone service and begin using your home phone number with your new Ooma service!

Read 5 Reasons Why Ooma is the Best VoIP Home Phone to learn more about Ooma’s home phone service.

Vonage’s process for porting:

• When you purchase a Vonage plan online or by phone, you have the option to transfer an existing number. The same goes for registering a Vonage adapter purchased at a retail location. At that time, you’re given the information you need to complete to make the transfer.

AXvoice’s process for porting:

1. Enter your landline number into their portability checker tool to make sure your number can be ported.
2. Choose a temporary number to use while your landline number is being ported.
3. Pay a one-time fee of $15.

VOIPO’s process for porting:

1. Download, print, and sign a copy of VOIPO’s Letter of Authorization form.
2. Locate a copy of a recent bill from your landline phone service provider.
3. Fax or email both documents to VOIPO.

ViaTalk’s process for porting:

1. Download, print, and sign a copy of ViaTalk’s Letter of Authorization form.
2. Locate a copy of a recent bill from your landline phone service provider.
3. Fax or email both documents to ViaTalk.

Choosing a provider to port a landline phone number to VoIP.

Porting your landline phone number to VoIP is possible with nearly all US-based numbers. But the process varies quite a bit based on the service provider, so doing a bit of research before you decide will help ensure you’re happy with your choice and have a good experience.

Learn more about the process of switching to VoIP by reading our guide, Best Landline Alternative.