Number Porting Process GuidanceLast Updated March 2015

WHAT IS NUMBER PORTING?Number porting is a change in the CP (Communications Provider) of a telephone number. Number porting does not change the allocated RH (Range holder) of a number, as the calls will always route through the RH systems.We use BT IPEX (British Telecom IP Exchange) for all porting requests. BT IPEX have the best SE (Service Establishment) with Range Holders, facilitating the porting of most numbers, particularly from large tier 1 carriers. BT IPEX cannot port a number from a RH that it does not have service establishment with. In any case where BT IPEX do not have SE with a RH, they will attempt to create SE with them, a process that can take around 85 working days, however any errors found on the system they are attempting to create SE for will lengthen this considerably.For a port request to be accepted by the CNO (Current Network Operator) / Losing CP (LCP) or RH, all of the information on the documents forwarded to the LCP/RH must match what is on file for that telephone number. It is always best to call the Losing CP and ask what is on file when filling out the porting document, and also inform them of your intention to port the number away from them.WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY NUMBER PORTS?When a number ports from an analogue or digital line, the original line is ceased. This means that any and all additional services on the telephone line will also be ceased, e.g broadband. Prefixing on analogue and digital lines (ISDN) from BT happens at the exchange level.When a number is ported to our service, the original RH changes the prefix on the number, so that it routes out to BT IPEX. It is imported onto the BT IPEX platform and programmed in their core routing engine, which then routes all calls to that number to our platform.HOW DO I PORT A NUMBER?In order for Vivid Telecom to port your number onto our platform, we need, for all numbers:Proof of ownership of the number (in the form of a copy of the latest bill from the current CP)
  1. Authorisation to port from the subscriber (in the form of a GNP Letter of Authority signed by the subscriber)
  2. Relevant telephone number details (in the form of completed porting documents)
  3. Range holder CUPID (find on www.telecom-tariffs.co.uk AND check against Ofcom S1 allocation form)
  4. LCP CUPID (may also be Range holder, otherwise is the company billing you for the number)
We are unable to progress any ports without this information.WHAT WILL CAUSE DELAYS?There are a number of factors that can delay ports.
  1. Redcare / security tag exists on the line. You must cancel Redcare or transfer the service to another number before that telephone number can be ported.
  2. The Installation address is incorrect. You must find out the installation address that is on file with the LCP/RH against the number(s) you wish to port for the order to progress.
  3. LCP/RH failure to provide response. You should always inform the LCP/RH of an intention to port.
  4. No SE with LCP/RH. Unfortunately, you can do nothing to affect this.
  5. Incorrectly labelled (single line as multiline etc). You should always confirm the line type with the LCP/RH.
  6. Incorrect telephone details (main billing number, DDI range etc). You should always confirm with the LCP/RH all attached phone numbers, main billing number etc).
EXPORTING NUMBERSThe number porting process is always GCP (Gaining Communications Provider) led. This means that to export numbers, the subscriber follows the import process with another provider and not us. A letter of authority is still required with the new provider and this is checked prior to exports being progressed. Porting guidelines are industry wide so the process will be similar with another CP.Any number that has been ported into to BTIPEX can be ported out again i.e where we are not the RH range Holder.Geographic numbers where we are the Range Holder can be exported but there are two caveats to the BTIPEX platform to be aware of, both of which will be negated in the future:
  1. Once number(s) allocated by OfCom to IPEX have been exported away from IPEX, they cannot return to IPEX, importantly this includes any other IPEX Communications Provider.
  2. Number(s) allocated by OfCom to us which are built on BTIPEX can only be prefixed once. This means that the prefix cannot be updated making the move non-changeable until advised by IPEX as above.
  3. Non-Geographic numbers allocated by Ofcom to us and built on BTIPEX cannot currently be exported and is currently out of technical scope.
GLOSSARY OF TERMSIn the context of this document, the following acronyms are used:
  • BT IPEX = British Telecom IP Exchange
  • IPEX = IP Exchange
  • CUPID = Communications Unique Provider ID
  • CP = Communications Provider
  • LCP = Losing Communications Provider
  • CNO = Current Network Operator
  • GNP = Geographic Number Porting
  • CRD = Customer Required Date
  • RH = Range holder
  • SE = Service Establishment
  • DDI = Direct Dial In
  • ISDN = Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN2e or BRI, ISDN30e or PRI)
  • SS7 = Switched Signalling 7 – a set of protocols typically on an E1 defining call set-up/ tear down.
  • NGN = Non-Geographic Number
  • ENUM = E.164 Number Mapping, aka BT IPEX's numbering platform - directing incoming calls on telephone numbers to allocated carriers/destinations
LINE TYPE DEFINITIONS
  • Single Line Geographic A single telephone number beginning 01 or 02, that is not part of a DDI range, is not the main billing number for a DDI range, and is not part of a multi-line.
  • Multi Line Geographic Multiple lines on one or more telephone numbers, including WLR analogue Multi-Line and single-number ISDN.
  • Simple DDI Multiple digital lines (ISDN/T1/E1/SS7) on one or more telephone numbers, consisting of a main billing number. It can contain a whole block of DDI's (minimum 10, multiple of 10) and/or have SNDDIs on the circuit.
  • Complex DDI Multiple digital lines (ISDN/T1/E1/SS7), consisting of part of a block of DDI's, and a main billing number. Note:All DDI's attached to the circuit must be included on porting document, and intention given as to which numbers to port. Any numbers not ported will be handed back to the RH.
  • Single Line Non Geographic A single telephone number that is non geographic, is not part of a DDI range, is not the main billing number for a DDI range, and is not part of a multi-line or Feature Line.
  • Multi Line Non Geographic Multiple non geographic telephone numbers, consisting of an original and whole block of DDI's (minimum 10), and a main billing number.
  • International Telephone numbers from countries outside the UK.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
  • Single Line Geographic Porting Form, Letter of Authority, Copy of Latest Bill.
  • Multi Line Geographic Porting Form, Letter of Authority, Copy of Latest Bill.
  • Simple & Complex DDI Porting Form, Letter of Authority, Copy of Latest Bill.
  • Single Line Non Geographic Porting of Non-Geographic Numbers Notice, IPEX Ownership Letter from Losing Party, Copy of Latest Bill.
  • Multi Line Non Geographic Porting of Non-Geographic Numbers Notice, IPEX Ownership Letter from Losing Party, Copy of Latest Bill.
  • International Letter of Authorization and Consent for Equipment Records
  • and International Local Number Portability, Copy of Latest Bill, Scan of Passport of Owner of Telephone numbers.
LEAD TIMESNOTE:THESE ARE THE MINIMUM LEAD TIMES:
  • Single Line Geographic 10 working days
  • Multi Line Geographic 7 working days
  • Simple DDI 17 working days
  • Complex DDI 22 working days
  • Single Line NGN No Lead time available
  • Multi Line NGN No Lead time available
  • International No lead time available
SINGLE LINE GEOGRAPHIC PORT PROCEDURESTEP      PROCEDURE
  1. Customer submits to Vivid Telecom:Porting form, Letter of Authority, copy of latest bill.
  2. Vivid Telecom submit to BT IPEX using online portal with CRD (Customer Required Date).
  3. BT IPEX complete an automated look up on their systems, verifying line type and range holder.
  4. If details match records with LCP/RH, order is confirmed.
  5. BT IPEX receive response from LCP/RH confirming acceptance on DD/MM/YYYY@HH:MM
  6. Vivid Telecom notify customer that number has been accepted to port.
  7. At least 24 hours prior to port, Vivid Telecom will add the porting number into the customer's account ready to receive traffic from BT IP Exchange.
  8. On date and time of port, IP Exchange automatically load number onto ENUM and direct calls from that number to Vivid Telecom so they are ready to catch traffic from RH.
  9. RH automatically applies porting prefix so calls are routed to IP Exchange
  10. Confirmation that number has ported is sent by IP Exchange to us.
  11. Vivid Telecom test-call after receiving completed port notification to make sure calls are routing correctly. If not routing correctly, escalate to BT immediately.
MULTILINE GEOGRAPHIC PORT PROCEDURE
  1. Customer submits to Vivid Telecom:Porting form, Letter of Authority, copy of latest bill.
  2. Vivid Telecom submit request to BT IPEX using online portal.
  3. BT IPEX then apply this information on a NPOR form manually.
  4. NPOR gets sent to BT Openreach, who send it off to the LCP/RH.
  5. LCP/RH then check the details on the NPOR and respond back to Openreach accordingly, if rejected providing reason why.
  6.   Openreach then send the response to BT IPEX.
  7. If accepted, a confirmation response is sent to Vivid Telecom confirming date and time the  porting process will begin
  8. At least 24 hours prior to the port, Vivid Telecom add numbers into customer's account ready to receive traffic.
  9. On date of port, Vivid Telecom manually configure the number port on IP Exchange portal after the Port Configuration Window Start(s). This loads it onto ENUM.
  10. On date and time of port, Vivid Telecom call IP Exchange, give reference number(s) and/or MBN, and ask them to progress the port, and perform a test-call to make sure ENUM load is correct.
  11. Openreach then progress the port, where the RH applies the porting prefix, and inbound traffic on PSTN should then route through to Vivid Telecom.
  12. If there is down-time of 15 minutes or more Vivid Telecom ring IP Exchange requesting they escalate due to the down-time.
SINGLE LINE NON-GEOGRAPHIC PORT PROCEDURE
  1. Customer has to fill in a separate set of forms - typed, printed on company-headed paper and sent back to us with a copy of a bill from LCP. There must be an account
  2. number for the LCP on forms, address of the Losing Communications Provider, and a bill from them.
  3. If resellers are involved, lead-time stretches - all parties have to be informed of the port.
  4. Once all paperwork is received, Vivid Telecom send off to BT IPEX, who then either send off to the end-user's LCP (this could be a reseller), or reject because of incorrect paperwork.
  5. BT IPEX, upon acknowledgement of the porting request to the end-user's provider, then approach the RH with a port order.
  6. Once port order has been accepted, a confirmed date and time for the port to take place will be confirmed to IPEX.
  7. At least 24 hours prior to the port taking place, Vivid Telecom add the number into the end-user's account ready to catch the traffic
  8. On the date and time of the port, IP Exchange build the number on ENUM, then contact RH to initiate porting prefix.
  9. Number should then have been ported, Vivid Telecom do test calls to confirm number routes to us correctly. If there is down-time of 15 minutes or more Vivid Telecom ring IP Exchange requesting they escalate due to the down-time.
MULTILINE NON-GEOGRAPHIC PORT PROCEDURE
  1. Customer has to fill in a separate set of forms - typed, printed on company-headed paper and sent back to us with a copy of a bill from losing provider. There must be an account number on forms and bill.
  2. If resellers are involved, lead-time stretches - all parties have to be informed of port.
  3. Once all paperwork received, Vivid Telecom send off to BT IPEX, who then either send off to the end-user's LCP (this could be a reseller), or reject because of incorrect paperwork.
  4. BT IPEX, upon acknowledgement of the porting request to the end-user's provider, then approach the RH with a port order.
  5. Once port order has been accepted, a confirmed date and time for the port to take place will be confirmed to IPEX.
  6. 24 hours prior to port, Vivid Telecom add the number into the end-user's account ready to catch the traffic.
  7. On the date and time of the port, IP Exchange build the number on ENUM, then contact RH to initiate porting prefix.
  8. Number should then have been ported, Vivid Telecom do test calls to confirm number routes to us correctly. If there is down-time of 15 minutes or more Vivid Telecom ring IP Exchange requesting they escalate due to the down-time.
RANGEHOLDERS – SUCCESS WITH PORTED NUMBERS
  • CUPID COMPANY
  • BT (INCLUDING ANY WLR3 PROVIDERS)
  • Various VIRGIN/NTL
  • Various TELEWEST/EUROBELL
  • 093 AQL/TELEPHONY SERVICES/CORALBRIDGE
  • 820 TALKTALK
  • 031 GAMMA
  • 013 CABLE AND WIRELESS
  • 102 MAGRATHEA
  • 005/223 KCOM/KINGSTON COMMUNICATIONS
  • 029 AFFINITI
  • 026 ENERGIS
  • 028 THUS
  • 822 SKY
  • 341 VOICEFLEX/FRONTIER VOICE AND DATA
  • 376 TIMICO
*If the range holder of a number you wish to port from is not in this list, please call to check current status of SE.PORTING PRICELISTYou will notice that many companies not only charge for porting however for each port that fails you have to pay for them. The fees are dependent on the company you are porting to but can be anything from £35 and up.The positive thing about us is we only charge you for successful ports meaning that we can retry 10 times and you will not be charged a penny.  

Service/Feature

Setup CostMonthly Fee
Number Import – Single Analogue Line£15.00£0.00
Number Import – Single Line SIP£15.00£0.00
Number Import – ISDN£50.00£0.00
Number Import – Multiline Analogue£50.00£0.00
Number Import – Multiline SIP£50.00£0.00
Number Import – Non Geo Number Port£70.00£0.00
Number Import - Non Geo Number Port 10 Contiguous£70.00£0.00
Number Import - Non Geo Number Port 100 Contiguous£150.00£0.00
Number Export£75.00£0.00

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