Number portability allows a telephone subscriber to retain their existing phone number when switching service providers. Local Number Portability (LNP) applies to fixed-line numbers; Mobile Number Portability (MNP) applies to mobile numbers. In the context of DID numbers and SIP trunking, number portability means businesses can move existing phone numbers to a new carrier — such as IDT Express — without changing the number. IDT Express supports number porting as part of its DID number provisioning service.
Number portability is the regulatory right — mandated in most countries — for telephone subscribers to keep their existing phone number when changing service providers. Local Number Portability (LNP) covers geographic and non-geographic fixed-line numbers (including VoIP/DID numbers); Mobile Number Portability (MNP) covers mobile numbers. Portability is enforced by telecoms regulators to promote competition by reducing the switching cost for customers who would otherwise lose their numbers when changing carriers. The porting process is administered between carriers via standardised industry processes with defined timelines.
Yes. IDT Express supports inbound number porting for most number types and countries where porting is technically and regulatorily supported. To port a number to IDT Express, you submit a porting request with proof of number ownership (typically a recent phone bill showing the number) and your account details. IDT Express coordinates with your existing carrier to transfer the number. The number remains active with your current provider until the port completes, ensuring continuity of service. Not all number types are portable in all countries — contact IDT Express to confirm portability for your specific numbers and country.
Number porting timelines vary by country, number type, and losing carrier. In the US, single business number ports typically complete in 3–10 business days; bulk ports (multiple numbers) may take 2–4 weeks. In the UK, number ports under the one-touch switching regime complete within one business day for consumer lines; business ports typically take 5–10 working days. Delays can occur if the porting request contains errors (incorrect account details or address), if the losing carrier raises a dispute, or if the number has a contract term lock. IDT Express manages the porting process end-to-end and provides status updates throughout.
IDT Express does not charge a fee for porting numbers into its network — inbound porting is provided free as part of the DID number provisioning service. However, your existing carrier may charge a porting-out fee or an early termination fee if you are still within a contract term. These charges are applied by the losing carrier, not by IDT Express, and vary depending on your current provider and contract terms. It is worth checking your current contract before initiating a port to understand any costs your existing provider may apply.
