Does porting change my number in any way?

No. The digits stay identical and callers dial it as before. Caller ID name may need to be re-registered after the port, which is a separate step covered in the caller ID article.

Can I port a number I got with a bundled internet plan?

Usually, yes. Check with your current provider what happens to the rest of the bundle when the phone leaves, since some plans re-price. The port itself proceeds the same way.

What if my number is registered under an old business name?

Port under the name the current provider has on file. The name on your 3CTel account can be different. Mismatched names are a common rejection reason, so use the bill as the source of truth.

Can I keep my existing business phone number?

Yes. In Canada, business numbers can be moved between providers through number porting, and 3CTel ports local, toll-free and fax numbers from most carriers. You keep the number your customers know; only the carrier behind it changes. Your current service keeps working until the port completes, and the number is confirmed as portable before the process begins.

Which numbers can be ported

A small number of cases are harder: numbers tied to a rate centre that 3CTel's carriers do not serve, numbers on a bundled promotional plan with restrictions, or numbers registered to a different legal entity. The specialist checks portability up front so you know before planning around it.

Local numbers in Canadian area codes, whether from a landline, a cable provider or another VoIP service.
Toll-free numbers (800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, 888) registered to your business.
Fax numbers, which can then deliver faxes to email.
Cell phone numbers in some cases, if the number is to be used for the business; discuss this with a specialist.

What porting involves

You provide a recent bill and sign a port authorization. The request is submitted to your current provider, which verifies that the account details match. Once approved, a port date is set. On that date the number begins routing to 3CTel. You then cancel the old service. Throughout, the number keeps ringing somewhere; there is no gap.

Do not cancel your current service before the port completes. A released number may not be recoverable.

Keeping several numbers

Many businesses have a main line, direct lines, a fax and a toll-free number. All can be ported together or in stages. Each number is then assigned in the plan: main line to the menu, direct lines to users, fax to email delivery and toll-free wherever you like. Numbers you no longer need can be left behind, but consider whether they still appear on signage or older listings.