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US / CA Toll Free Number Porting

Here you will find a detailed list of requirements for Toll Free number portability

Patrick Budzinski avatar
Written by Patrick Budzinski
Updated over 3 months ago

Toll-Free/8YY Number Porting Process

The process of porting toll-free or "8YY" numbers (including 800, 844, 855, 866, 877, and 888 exchanges) involves distinct steps within the industry, deviating from the mandates governing Local Number Portability (LNP) by the FCC. Unlike Local Number Portability, toll-free porting has a centralized portal for all requests, allowing a typically quicker timeframe than standard porting. We recommend initiating toll-free port requests at least two weeks before the desired number activation.

It is crucial to recognize that toll-free numbers face the risk of disconnection if not activated within 1-2 weeks following their release by the RespOrg (Responsible Organization) assigned to manage the toll-free number. To mitigate accidental disconnects, we strongly advise customers to delay submitting port requests until they are within the 2-week timeframe. This approach minimizes the possibility of rejections and ensures we obtain the Firm Order Confirmation (FOC) in a timely manner to align with the desired activation date.

The timeline for toll-free port requests can span 7 days, assuming no rejections occur and a suitable first available date is selected. Notably, the Letter of Authorization (LOA) submission process for toll-free porting differs from standard number porting. Refer to the LOA & Documentation Policy page for detailed information on the required procedures.

Required Documentation for Toll Free Porting:

1. LoA

2. Latest Invoice

Download LOA here

Number Porting Timelines

Toll Free Number Porting should take approximately 2 business days, however, discover why the phone number porting process can vary from 1 to 7 business days

SMS Porting Best Practices

When your order transitions into a `ported` status, voice services will have migrated to Telnyx. However, Telnyx cannot guarantee that SMS will migrate at the same time. It may take several hours after the scheduled FOC date/time before the losing carrier releases SMS to Telnyx.

To minimize downtime with your SMS services, Telnyx recommends porting SMS prior to porting voice. To port SMS only, please submit a hosted SMS request at least 5 business days prior to your desired FOC date.

An example porting process for toll-free phone numbers with SMS is as follows:

  1. Create a hosted SMS request for the phone numbers you are attempting to port

  2. Create a porting order for the same phone numbers. Request a FOC date at least 5 business days in advance.

  3. If all goes well, after 3-4 business days the hosted SMS request will be completed. SMS will be migrated to Telnyx and active. Voice will still be routing through the losing carrier.

  4. When the scheduled FOC date/time arrives, voice ports in and the phone numbers are fully activated on your Telnyx account. Both voice and SMS are routing through Telnyx, and you should experience no downtime.

For more information on hosted SMS, please check out this support article (https://support.telnyx.com/en/articles/5336668-hosted-sms-messaging-process).

Seamless Number Porting with Telnyx

Learn how Telnyx ensures a smooth and efficient number porting process

Resolving Porting Errors

Find out how to troubleshoot common error messages during the number porting process with Telnyx

Best Practices for Porting Support

Examine best practices for effectively contacting Telnyx's porting support to facilitate clear communication and swift issue resolution


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