When your business makes the smart decision to upgrade to a modern Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system, one of the first and most critical steps is number porting. This is the process of transferring your existing phone numbers from your old provider to your new one, ensuring continuity for your customers.

For many businesses, this seems like a straightforward request. “We only have one number,” you think. “Our main line is the only one we use!”

However, if you have a traditional business phone system, that one main number is often just the visible part of a much larger network of connected lines. Your new provider is asking you for all associated numbers, not just the one published on your website.

The hidden numbers: why your ‘one number’ is rarely alone

The main number is the number customers know and call, but it is rarely the only number associated with your service.

The critical, often-overlooked numbers are your Direct Dial Ins (DDIs). These are individual, unpublished numbers linked to specific employees or departments within your business. Even if you only recognise your main line, it’s highly probable you have DDIs that need to be accounted for in the porting process.

These DDIs are typically unadvertised—they may only be known by specific employees, printed on internal documents, or used for specific direct contacts. But if they route calls to your business today, they must be ported.

It is crucial to understand that your main number and all associated DDIs are bundled together by your current provider. To move the entire service to Beaming, the full list of numbers must be provided.

The critical importance of identifying every DDI

Providing a full and accurate list of all associated numbers is not a formality; it is vital for a seamless transition.

Avoid Delays and Rejection: Porting requests are technical processes and are often delayed or outright rejected due to missing information. A request cannot proceed until every associated number is identified and confirmed by your current provider.

Ensure Business Continuity: Once the switch to your new VoIP system is complete, every number your business relies on—from the main line to every DDI—will continue to work exactly as before, ensuring your clients can always reach the right person.

How to uncover your full list of associated numbers

The number porting process cannot move forward until you can confirm the complete list of numbers attached to your service. Fortunately, finding this information is usually simple:

Ring your current provider: The quickest and most reliable method is to contact your existing telephone provider directly and request a full, itemised breakdown of all numbers associated with your main line.

Review recent invoices: Detailed monthly or quarterly invoices will often contain a list of all numbers for which you are being charged.

Check handset settings: While this varies depending on the make and model of your individual desk phone, some handsets will display the DDI linked to that specific device.

By accurately identifying and submitting every DDI along with your main number, you ensure your number porting request is accepted quickly, paving the way for a swift and efficient move to your new, flexible VoIP telephone system.