Overview - Number Porting FAQ's

Here we explain the difference between category A, C and M

Category A number ports are applicable only to single/standalone numbers delivered on:

  • PSTN fixed phone lines (a standard, single port “phone plug in the wall” – the same as is typically found in a residential phone service) with no complex services (see below)
  • NBN Phone services, where the service is delivered from the “Phone” ports on the NBN NTU
  • Porting from most other VoIP providers (see below for exceptions)

Category C number ports are applicable to any numbers that:

  • Are delivered over an ISDN / PRI service
  • Are in a hunt group
  • Are on a fax duet service
  • Include a number range (10-range, 100-range, etc.)
  • Are being ported from Telstra DOT (even if it’s a single number)
  • Are being ported from Optus Loop services

It may be possible to remove a specific number from a hunt group or fax duet service and port it as a Category A number. Please contact the current provider to see if this is possible.

If any of your numbers being ported require Category C porting, we generally recommend setting Category C for all of your numbers on the port.

This way, all of your numbers will be processed as a single port, so they will all fall under a single Category C porting cost and will be processed at the same time.

Category M number ports are applicable to any mobile numbers.

Number porting allows you to bring your existing phone numbers to TELTEL from another provider.

How long does number porting take?

The amount of time number porting takes is based on the kind of number you port.

For example, if you are porting a single residential or small business number which is attached to no other services it will generally take one to two weeks to move across.

If your port was considered “Complex” and has many numbers connected to many accounts then the process can take a lot longer. Generally a Category C (Complex) port takes 6 to 8 weeks to complete.

Porting Mobile numbers takes approximately 1 to 2 weeks.

Due to the complexity of the porting process we are unable to guarantee that all porting times will be in line with the above estimates, however we will keep in contact with you and let you know as the process moves forward.

Will people be able to call me until it moves across?

Yes, your number will remain active until the time it is scheduled to port to your new account.

In the meantime we will add the number to your account on our end. This will mean that in most cases when the number ports across to us it will be instantly active on the system and ring your new PBX or VoIP phones.

Can I setup my PBX before I port my number?

Yes, almost all accounts are provided with an existing phone number. You can use that number to set-up your inbound calls and test how everything is going to work.

Once you’re happy with everything we can then add your original number to the system and start the number porting process.

How long will my number be completely down?

Only a few minutes. Your number will only go completely offline whilst the porting process is in progress between both carriers.

What happens to the line I moved the number from?

Once a number is removed from a line you will usually find that all services on that line stop working.

If you have a broadband service connected to that line, your broadband will stop working after the number is ported across.

It’s very important that you move these kinds of services off the line before you port your number.

Additionally, in some cases you may find your original carrier cancels your account. However in others you may find they keep charging you. We always recommend contacting your previous carrier after the port to let them know you have moved services and to cancel any services that they may still charge you for.

Can I port my number away from you?

Yes you can. TelTel is a full service provider and allows you to move your number away from us to any other provider just like any other major telco.

Is there any charge for porting my number away from you?

No, TelTel has no port-out charges. We will not charge you for moving your number away and will never actively block another carrier from receiving your number.

Will I be charged by my old provider for porting away?

Some providers may charge you for porting your number away from them. We highly recommend contacting your old provider so you are aware of any costs that may be imposed by them once your number is removed / ported away from their service.

Can you port numbers from every carrier?

We will try our best to port your number from the carrier that you are currently with. However in some rare circumstances porting a number across may simply not be possible.