Moving your business phone to the cloud without losing calls.

Before you start

• Find a recent bill from your current providerPorting needs the account details exactly as the provider holds them.
• Check whether the number is tied to a broadband bundlePorting the number may end the broadband. Ask before you request the port.
• Check your minimum termPorting away does not cancel a contract. Remaining months may still be due.
• List every number you useLandline, mobiles used for business, any 0800 or 03 numbers, and where each is printed.
• Test your internet connectionNormal broadband or 4G is enough. Ask the new provider to test it with you.

Decide the setup

• Who should ring first, second and lastOffice, then mobiles, then a receptionist or voicemail. Different rules for evenings.
• Opening hours and out-of-hours handlingWhat callers hear at 8pm, and who gets the urgent ones.
• What happens to unanswered callsVoicemail to email, a callback promise, or an AI receptionist.
• DevicesApps on existing phones and computers, or desk phones for an office.
• Call recording and the notices it needsOptional. Decide before go-live.

Porting

• Port request submitted with matching detailsBusiness name, address and account number exactly as on the bill.
• Port date confirmedUsually a few weeks for landlines, days for mobiles.
• Old line kept live until the port completesDo not cancel anything early.
• Temporary number set up if you want to test firstDivert unanswered calls from the old line to it as a trial.

Go live

• Apps installed and logged in on every device
• Ring groups and hours tested with a real callRing the number from a mobile at lunchtime and at 7pm.
• Voicemail greeting recordedOr the receptionist script agreed and tested.
• Number confirmed working after the portInbound and outbound, from a mobile and a landline.
• Old provider cancelled after confirmationNot before.

After

• Missed call report reviewed after two weeksThe number is usually a surprise. Adjust ring groups or add answering.
• Business number updated everywhereIt should not change, but check listings and vans if you added a new one.
• Staff know how to transfer, hold and forwardTen minutes of training.