Switching providers doesn't mean starting over with a new phone number. If you're moving one or more numbers away from AVOXI, this guide walks you through exactly what happens, what we need from you, and how to keep your service running without interruption along the way.
What Is "Porting Out"?
Porting is the industry term for transferring a phone number from one service provider to another while keeping the number itself. It's a right protected by the FCC's Local Number Portability (LNP) rules: as long as you're staying in the same general geographic area, your current provider — including AVOXI — cannot refuse to release your number, even if there's an outstanding balance on the account.
The process is a coordinated handoff between three parties:
- You, the account holder
- AVOXI, the "losing" carrier (the one releasing the number)
- Your new provider, the "gaining" carrier (the one receiving the number)
Before You Start: What You'll Need
Most carriers, including AVOXI, require a few standard pieces of documentation to verify that you're authorized to move the number. Have these ready before you contact your new provider:
- Letter of Authorization (LOA) — a signed document confirming you're the authorized account holder and you approve the transfer
- A recent AVOXI invoice or account statement (typically within the last 30–60 days) to confirm the account and billing name match
- The number(s) you intend to port, listed exactly as they appear on your account
- Your AVOXI account number, if your new provider's form requests it
Your new provider typically initiates the request and submits this documentation on your behalf — you generally won't need to contact AVOXI directly to kick things off.
The Port-Out Process, Step by Step
1. Your New Provider Submits the Request
Once you sign an LOA with your new carrier, they submit a port-out request to AVOXI on your behalf. This is what starts the clock.
2. AVOXI Validates the Request
We check the request against a short list of requirements — for example, confirming the number actually belongs to your account, that it isn't already assigned elsewhere, and that there's no blocking issue like a pending order on the account. If something doesn't check out, we'll reject the request and tell you specifically why, so you (or your new provider) can correct it and resubmit.
3. We Reach Out to Confirm
Because a port-out closes out service with us, our team will contact you directly to confirm the request is really coming from you and to make sure you're aware of what's changing. This is also your chance to ask questions, or to talk through alternatives if you're on the fence.
If you don't respond within a couple of business days, the request will proceed automatically — so if you do want to cancel or pause the port, it's best to let us know promptly.
4. Your Port Date Is Set
Your new provider will coordinate a firm cutover date with us. We'll log that date and keep your number fully active right up until it arrives — this is intentional, and it's an industry-standard safeguard against accidental service gaps. Under FCC rules, simple ports (most single-line business numbers) are generally completed within one business day of that date; more complex ports can take a few business days longer.
5. Cutover Day
On the port date, your new provider takes over routing for the number. We verify on our end that traffic has actually shifted before we do anything further — so there's a short overlap window where we're confirming the transition went cleanly.
6. Number Closeout
Once we've confirmed the number is live with your new provider, we mark it as ported out on the AVOXI side. If this was your only number with us, this also kicks off closing out your AVOXI account (see below).
7. Account Closure (If Applicable)
If you're porting away all of your AVOXI numbers, we'll close your account once every number has ported, there's no open balance, and there are no other open items on file. You'll get a confirmation once that's complete.
A Few Tips for a Smooth Port
- Don't cancel your AVOXI service before the port completes. If you close your account early, you risk losing the number entirely rather than transferring it. Let the port finish first, then close things out.
- Double-check your documentation matches your account exactly. Mismatched names, addresses, or account numbers are the most common reason port requests get delayed or rejected.
- Respond promptly if we reach out to confirm. A quick reply keeps things moving on your timeline, not a default one.
- Ask your new provider for the expected cutover date so you know when to expect the switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does porting out take?
Timelines vary by number type and carrier, but simple, single-line ports are typically completed within a few business days of a valid request. More complex ports (multiple numbers, toll-free numbers, or numbers with unusual account histories) can take longer.
Will I lose service during the port?
No — your number stays active on AVOXI right up until the cutover, and there's typically a brief overlap where both sides confirm the transition before anything is turned off.
What if AVOXI rejects my port request?
We'll tell you specifically why (for example, a mismatched account name or an outstanding order), so you can correct it and have your new provider resubmit.
What happens to my AVOXI account after the port?
If it was your last active number with us, we'll close your account automatically once the port is confirmed and there's nothing else open on file — no extra steps needed from you.
Can I stop a port-out once it's submitted?
Yes, if you contact us promptly. Once the process advances too far, or once we haven't heard back from you within the response window, the port will proceed as submitted.