Porting your number to VoIP: The stress-free guide for UK businesses

Remember when landlines were the backbone of every business? By 2027, that’s all changing.

BT is switching off the old copper phone lines (PSTN/ISDN) for good - meaning every UK business will need to move to a digital phone system (VoIP).

If your business relies on a fixed phone number - the one your customers know and trust - now’s the time to port it to VoIP. Do it right, and your team won’t miss a beat.

Why Should You Care About Porting?

Your business phone number isn’t just digits on a screen. It’s part of your brand. It’s how customers recognise you, trust you, and reach you.

Porting your number to VoIP means:

✅ You keep your existing number – no need to reprint business cards, update your website, or confuse loyal clients.

✅ You protect your customer relationships – no risk of missed calls or lost leads.

✅ You’re ready for the future – the BT switch-off isn’t optional; it’s happening.

✅ You unlock modern features – call recording, voicemail-to-email, call routing, mobile apps, and more.

✅ You save money – VoIP usually comes with lower monthly bills and no line rental.

In short: you stay connected, save money, and level up your business.

How to Port Your Business Number to VoIP (Step-by-Step)

Moving your number might sound technical, but with the right provider it’s actually pretty simple. Here’s how it works:

1. Check your current setup

Keep your phone line active until the port is complete. If your number is tied to broadband, alarms, or a fax line, you’ll need to sort those first.

2. Pick the right VoIP provider

Not all providers are equal. Look for:

✔ Smooth porting process (with no hidden fees)

✔ 99.9% uptime & crystal-clear call quality

✔ Features like call routing, voicemail-to-email & integrations

✔ Friendly UK-based support when you need it

3. Gather your info

You’ll need:

• Your business phone number(s)

• Current provider & account details

• Business name & address (must match provider’s records)

• A Letter of Authority (LOA)

4. Submit the port request

A VoIP provider like Delta 365 will do the legwork, handling the transfer with your old supplier.

5. Get your confirmed porting date

Most ports take 5–14 working days. On the switch day, expect a short downtime (usually a few minutes to an hour).

6. Test everything works

Once it’s live, make a few test calls to check everything’s running smoothly.

Common Pitfalls (and How to Dodge Them)

Porting delays: happen if your business details don’t exactly match your provider’s records.

Unexpected downtime: schedule your port for quiet times in the day.

Broadband tied to your line: switch to a broadband-only package first.

Provider pushback: by law, they can’t block your port request.

Why Choose Delta 365?

Switching to VoIP is more than keeping your number. It’s about upgrading how your business communicates.

With Delta 365, you get:

✨ Advanced business phone systems – modern VoIP handsets, softphones, and mobile apps.

✨ Smart call handling – auto-attendants, call recording, call routing, voicemail-to-email.

✨ Reliable & affordable – no line rental, lower monthly costs, HD-quality calls.

✨ Seamless number porting – we handle the entire process for you.

✨ Friendly UK-based support – real people, real help, whenever you need it.

FAQs About Number Porting

How long does it take to port a business number?

Usually 5–14 working days.

Will there be downtime?

Only a few minutes during the switchover.

Can I port multiple numbers?

Yes - single, multiple, or even whole number blocks.

Can I port a mobile?

Yes - request a PAC code and we can handle it.

Do I need to tell my current provider?

Nope. We’ll take care of that.

Ready to Future-Proof Your Phones?

The BT Switch-Off is coming - whether you’re ready or not. By starting now, you’ll avoid panic, downtime, and lost customers.

👉 Let’s make your switch to VoIP smooth, simple, and stress-free.

📞 020 4599 1365