The Fine Print when Porting

 

Interconnect manager for BitCo, James Farnell answers every day questions consumers ask about porting. Knowing this before you port will ensure a smooth process.

 

How long will porting my number take?

 

A single analogue line can take 3 to 10 working days. Managed ports can take up to 20 working days.

 

What are the limitations?

 

Limitations to porting are very few and mostly case dependant.

 

Single analogue lines (individual ports) are virtually hassle free. BRI and PRI’s are managed ports which undergo a more in-depth process. Only blocks of 100 consecutive numbers may be ported from PRIs from Telkom.

 

What are the risks?

 

Risks with porting land squarely on the shoulders of the tier 1 operator your number would be ported to. See who owns the last mile and ask questions about redundancy.

 

No matter where you move you cannot begin to use your services without a reliable last mile solution. Speak to your new provider and find out what SLA is offered.

 

What is redundancy?

 

Redundancy refers to the back-up and failover solution offered by your new provider. Does the new provider have multiple points of presence and in the event of a failure can the carrier re-route your calls to a secondary destination?

 

Will I experience downtime?

 

Downtime can be experienced due to lack of essential preparation. Planning when porting is everything. It is important both the donor and recipient networks are aware of all requirements for the port and have ample time to prepare prior to the port.

 

What effect will my port have on people calling me?

 

When calling a ported number (by regulation) you will hear three short beeps as the call connects before ringing tone. This is to alert the caller that they may incur a higher call charge.

 

What are the costs for calling a ported number?

 

Each carrier has the ability to charge the caller networks a unique rate when calling a ported number except MTN and Vodacom who are regulated and have had their rate fixed by the authority. The authority further regulates that this fee may not be more than 20% above the interconnect fee costs.

 

Effects on my bottom line?

 

Costs for porting are charged differently by providers but nevertheless all networks incur the same administrative fee of R50 per number ported as well as the negotiated fee set by the donor network.

 

More information about Number Porting:

• Geographic Number Porting from Start to Finish
• How Geographic Number Porting is Managed
• What is Geographic Number Porting?
• Where your number docks once you port
• Why haven’t you ported your number yet?

 

Find out more about BitCo’s Voice Solutions.