Number porting: How number porting works by DSL Telecom.

Everything you need to know about number porting and the number-porting procedure explained

This article is for clients who would lie to port their geographic or non-geographic numbers. 

What is Number Porting?

Number porting is the process of taking an existing telephone number from your current service provider and transferring it to another service provider while keeping the same number. This service is offered by all mobile and VoIP service providers in South Africa.

Geographic vs. Non-Geographic Number Porting

  • Geographic Numbers: Assigned to a specific location (e.g., 012, 021, 031, 023, 010, 011).
  • Non-Geographic Numbers: Virtual numbers not tied to a specific location (e.g., 0800, 0860, 0861, 0862, 087).

Steps to Port Your Number

Step 1: Request a Porting Mandate

  • Geographic Numbers: Request a number port from your new provider.
  • Non-Geographic Numbers: DSL Telecom will fill in a porting mandate document for you. Confirm the details and send it back.

Step 2: Provide Supporting Documents

For both geographic and non-geographic number porting, you will need to provide:
  • The ID of the person signing the porting instruction.
  • A letter of authorization from the company.
  • The latest bill from your current service provider.
  • Company registration documents.

Step 3: Preferred Porting Date

Once the documents are verified:
  • Non-Geographic Numbers: Choose a preferred porting date. Numbers will be ported overnight, with the process completing by 8 am the next day.
  • Geographic Numbers: Similar process; the new network will activate your number on their system.

FAQs

  1. What numbers are eligible for porting?

    • Geographic: 012, 021, 031, 023, 010, 011, and more.
    • Non-Geographic: 0800, 0860, 0861, 0862, 087.

  2. Why can't a number be ported?

    • Service with the old provider is already canceled.
    • Number is not active or reassigned.
    • Account is in arrears or suspended.
    • Number is currently in a porting process.
    • Number was ported in the last two months.

  3. Cost of porting a non-geographic number?

    • R150 per number.

  4. Cost of using non-geographic numbers?

    • Cost-effective, same calling costs for local/national calls from fixed and mobile lines.

  5. Does porting my number cancel my current service?

    • Yes, it cancels your service with the previous provider while keeping the same number.

  6. Can I call out using my 086X number?

    • No, 086X numbers are designed for inbound services as per ICASA regulations.

Porting Timelines

  • The entire porting process can take 7 to 21 working days.
For any queries or to request a number port, log a support ticket here.


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