What is Porting?

Porting is when a phone number is transferred from one telephone service provider to another on behalf of the user of that number. For example, if you are currently using a phone number for voice and/or SMS service, you may be able to port that number into Slate, to use it specifically for voice and/or SMS service within Slate. 

The phone number needs to be provisioned within your Slate database to leverage the functionality provided by Slate Voice and SMS within Slate. You can easily provision a new number within a matter of minutes. If, however, you have an existing SMS/Voice number that you prefer to begin using within Slate, it may be possible to port in that existing number (available for the US and select international phone numbers).

📝 Note

Porting an international number is limited based on the services provided by Twilio, the service that powers SMS/Voice within Slate. Please see here for an updated list of countries from which numbers can be ported. If you are interested in porting in an International number, please submit a Service Desk Request to the Category Slate Voice.

Provisioning a New Number

The simplest and fastest way to get started and use Slate Voice and SMS within Slate is to provision a new number via the Deliver Configuration tool. You may provision multiple numbers and select numbers based on their country, area code, containing digits, and/or associated zip code. 

Porting Numbers

If provisioning a new number does not suit your use case, you may be able to port into Slate one or more existing phone numbers that you own. Note that the porting process can be involved and, therefore, can take several weeks to several months to be completed successfully, depending on Twilio and your pre-existing carrier partner.

SMS Number Only - Hosted SMS

Typically, voice and SMS functionality is transferred to Slate when porting numbers. If you wish to leave Voice capabilities with your existing provider and only use Slate for SMS with a specific number, Technolutions can support your request to enable SMS capabilities in Slate for a given number.

This process will not impact your current voice line. Your number will only be registered for SMS, which is routed through Slate. 

This functionality is only available for numbers in the United States and Canada. Mobile and VOIP Numbers are not supported.

Please submit a Service Desk Request under the Category Slate Voice to begin the port process. To facilitate a successful porting request, please include the following in your Service Desk Request:

• Name - The authorized user or owner's first and last name.

• Corresponding Service Address - The corresponding service address. This must be an actual physical address. PO Boxes are not considered valid service addresses.

• Letter of Authorization (LOA) - A Letter of Authorization (LOA) is signed by the authorized user and/or owner of the number(s). Note that the information on your LOA must match the authorized user name and service address provided by your current carrier.

• Phone Bill - A scanned (or electronic) copy of the most recent phone bill within the last 30 days includes the account, owner/authorized user name, and address information for all the numbers you’d like to port. The phone number(s) should be listed on the bill. 

Voice/SMS Number

If your team is looking to port numbers into Slate for voice and SMS use, most of the process is handled on your behalf by Technolutions. Please submit a Service Desk request under the Category Slate Voice to begin the port process. To facilitate a successful porting request, please include the following in your Service Desk Request:

• Name - The authorized user or owner's first and last name

• Corresponding Service Address - This must be an actual physical address. PO Boxes are not considered valid service addresses.

• Letter of Authorization (LOA) - A Letter of Authorization (LOA) signed by the authorized user and/or owner of the number(s). Note that the information on your LOA must match the authorized user name and service address provided by your current carrier.

• Customer Service Record (CSR) - You will need to contact your current carrier, and you may need to ask for your carrier's porting team. You need to specify that you want the Customer Service Record on file with the carrier, not merely your billing records. 

• Phone Bill - A scanned (or electronic) copy of the most recent phone bill within the last 30 days includes the account owner/authorized user name and address information for all the numbers you are looking to port into Slate.