United Kingdom Number Porting
Portable Number Types
| Type | Portable | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Local (Geographic) | Yes | Tied to a specific area; requires local address + valid postcode |
| National (Non-Geographic) | Yes | Not tied to a specific area; requires local address with valid postcode |
| Toll-Free | Yes | Requires billing account number |
| Mobile | Yes | Requires PAC (Porting Authorization Code) |
Required Documents
Local (Geographic) Numbers
- ☐ UK template LOA — Must include:
- Underlying carrier's name and/or CUPID code
- Line type (single or multi)
- Local address with valid postcode
- ☐ Latest invoice from current carrier
National / Toll-Free Numbers
- ☐ UK template LOA — Must include:
- Underlying carrier's name and/or CUPID code
- Local address with valid postcode
- Billing Account Number
- ☐ Latest invoice from current carrier
Mobile Numbers
- ☐ LOA
- ☐ Latest invoice
- ☐ PAC (Porting Authorization Code) — Obtain this from your current mobile provider
Porting Timeline
| Line Type | LCP is Range Holder | LCP is NOT Range Holder |
|---|---|---|
| Single line | 5 days | 7 days |
| Multi-line (with associated numbers) | 7 days | 10 days |
| Multi-line (150 lines or less) | 10 days | 13 days |
| Multi-line (151+ lines) | 17 days | 20 days |
| Complex DDI | 22 days | 25 days |
Activation Times
- Local/National: 10:00 AM GMT
- Toll-Free: Between 00:00 and 04:00 AM GMT on FOC date
- Mobile (if submitted before 12 noon local): Next business day
- General: Porting can take up to 6 hours to complete once triggered
Pre-Order Validation (POV)
Before the port begins, BlazeSMS verifies your number details with your current carrier.
- Timeline: 5–7 business days
- No formal SLA — This step depends on your current provider's response time and cannot be expedited
Partial Porting Restrictions
FOC Date Changes
Once your port date is confirmed, you can request a date change:
- Fee: $40 per order
- Notice required (LCP is Range Holder): Minimum 24 hours before FOC date
- Notice required (LCP is NOT Range Holder): Minimum 72 hours before FOC date
Follow-Up Protocol
If your current carrier fails to release numbers on the FOC date, BlazeSMS will actively follow up with your current carrier until the transfer is completed.
Key Definitions
- LCP (Losing Communications Provider): Your current carrier. This may NOT be the company billing you — that could be a reseller without a CUPID code.
- Range Holder: The carrier who was originally assigned the number block by OFCOM.
- CUPID Code: A standard identification number used within the UK telecoms industry to identify carriers.
- Geographic Number: A number linked to a specific area in the UK, requiring a local address.
- Non-Geographic Number: A number not tied to a specific area. Still requires a local address with valid postcode on the LOA.
- Single Line: A line terminating on a single socket, with no associated numbers.
- Multi-Line: A line terminating on equipment such as a PBX, which may include associated numbers.
- PAC (Porting Authorization Code): A code you get from your current mobile provider to authorize transfer to a new network.
- BTN (Billing Telephone Number): The main number on the account used for billing.
- DDI (Direct Dial-In): Numbers that route directly to an extension on a PBX system.
Notes
- UK porting is one of the more complex processes due to the Range Holder system and line type classifications
- Always verify who your underlying carrier is (not just who bills you) — this is a common source of confusion and rejections
- Mobile porting is the fastest (potentially next business day) if docs are submitted before noon
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