One of the most frequently asked questions when switching telecom providers or upgrading to VoIP is:
📞 Can I keep my current phone number?
Yes — you absolutely can. Thanks to ICASA’s number portability regulations, South African consumers and businesses have the right to port their existing phone numbers when changing service providers, including when moving to a modern VoIP phone system.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about number porting in South Africa, how it works when switching to VoIP, and what to look out for to ensure a seamless transition.
Table of Contents
What Is Number Porting?
Number porting is the process of transferring your existing telephone number from one telecommunications provider to another—without changing the number itself.
This process is regulated by ICASA (Independent Communications Authority of South Africa) and supported by all major licensed telecom operators. Whether you have a geographic number (like 011 for Johannesburg) or a non-geographic number (like 087), number porting helps ensure continuity in your communications.
Why is this important?
- You don’t need to update business cards or directories.
- Customers and suppliers can still reach you.
- You avoid losing credibility due to changing numbers.
Can I Keep My Number When Switching to VoIP?
Absolutely. You can keep your landline, mobile, or VoIP number when switching to another provider, as long as your number is eligible for porting and you follow the correct process.
This includes moving from:
A traditional copper landline to a VoIP-based phone system
One VoIP provider to another
A mobile operator to a VoIP service with mobile integration
Want to upgrade to VoIP? Don’t worry about losing your number—porting ensures a smooth transition to better call quality, lower costs, and modern features.
What Numbers Can Be Ported in South Africa?
According to ICASA regulations, South African consumers can port the following types of numbers:
| Number Type | Example Prefixes | Portable? |
|---|---|---|
| Geographic Numbers | 010, 011, 021, 031, etc. | ✅ Yes |
| Non-Geographic | 0800, 0860, 087 | ✅ Yes |
| Mobile Numbers | 060–079 | ✅ Yes |
Each number type has specific routing rules, but as long as the number is active and registered to you, it’s typically eligible for porting.
What Is Geographic Number Portability (GNP)?
Geographic Number Portability allows you to move a landline number (e.g. 021 for Cape Town) to another provider, even if you’re changing technologies (e.g. copper to VoIP).
South Africa was one of the first African countries to implement GNP in 2010. This allows businesses to:
Move offices without changing phone numbers
Upgrade to hosted VoIP or fibre-based phone systems
Consolidate multiple numbers onto one platform
How Does Number Porting to VoIP Work?
Porting your number is a straightforward process, and most VoIP providers will manage it on your behalf. Here’s how it works:
📌 Step-by-Step Number Porting Process
- Choose a VoIP provider that supports number porting.
Submit a porting request, including:
A signed Letter of Authorization (LOA)
A recent telephone bill or proof of ownership
The VoIP provider submits the request to ICASA and your current provider.
Approval and porting date are confirmed (usually within 7–10 working days).
Your number is transferred, and the VoIP service is activated.
Your provider will keep you updated throughout the process.
What Does It Cost to Port a Number?
There is typically a once-off porting fee, which ranges from R150 to R450 depending on the provider and number type.
However, many VoIP providers waive the fee if you sign a contract or commit to a minimum term. Always check if your provider offers free porting promotions.
What Are the Requirements for Successful Porting?
To avoid delays or rejections, ensure the following:
✅ The number is active and in service
✅ You are the legal owner of the number
✅ The account details match your current provider’s records
✅ There are no unpaid balances on your existing contract
✅ You don’t cancel your service before the port is complete
🔔 Important: Cancel your current service only after your number has successfully ported to the new provider.
Can I Port a Number That’s on Copper or Fibre?
Yes. Whether your number is running on:
Copper line
Fibre voice (VoIP over fibre)
LTE or fixed wireless
Hosted PBX or on-premise PBX
It can be ported to a modern VoIP platform, provided it’s portable and meets ICASA’s guidelines.
If you’re migrating away from Telkom or another fixed-line provider, this is a common scenario for businesses upgrading to VoIP.
Is There Any Downtime?
There may be a brief disruption during the actual porting window (often scheduled after hours), but most VoIP providers ensure that downtime is minimal or zero by:
Forwarding calls to a temporary number
Pre-configuring your VoIP system for instant activation
Ask your provider how they manage switchover times.
Why Port to VoIP?
Switching to VoIP with your existing number gives you access to:
✅ Lower call rates and no line rental
✅ Easy scalability and remote work support
✅ Advanced features like call routing, voicemail-to-email, IVR, and analytics
✅ Better reliability with fibre or LTE
Learn more about VoIP phone systems and compare solutions on our Phone Systems Guide.
Common Questions About Number Porting in South Africa
Yes. Telkom geographic numbers can be ported to any licensed VoIP provider that supports GNP.
Yes. You can port your number multiple times, though each time will require a new application and fee.
No. The number must be active at the time of the port request.
Yes. Businesses with multiple lines can port entire ranges or DIDs to a new provider, often with bundled porting options.
Ready to Port Your Number?
If you’re ready to move your phone number to a modern, feature-rich VoIP solution, we can help.
✔ Compare VoIP providers
✔ Find the best porting deal
✔ Get expert guidance throughout the process
🔗 Start your VoIP journey here
🔗 Need help with porting? Read our full guide
Number Porting Checklist: Keep Your Number When Switching Providers
Phone numbers are valuable assets—especially for businesses. With number porting, you no longer need to choose between keeping your number and upgrading your phone system. Now, you can do both.
| 📌 Number Porting Checklist | |
|---|---|
| Definition | Number porting allows you to switch telecom providers while keeping your existing number. |
| Regulated by | ICASA in South Africa. |
| Works for | Landline, mobile, and VoIP numbers. |
| Eligible Numbers | Geographic (010, 021, 031, etc.), Non-Geographic (0800, 087), Mobile (060–079). |
| Process Steps | Choose a VoIP provider → Submit a porting request → Approval & confirmation → Number transfer & activation. |
| Documents Required | Signed Letter of Authorization (LOA), recent phone bill or proof of ownership. |
| Timeframe | Usually 7–10 working days. |
| Porting Costs | Ranges from R150–R450, but some providers offer free porting with contracts. |
| Potential Downtime | Minimal, but varies depending on provider coordination. |
| Key Benefits | Keeps business contact continuity, avoids reprinting materials, improves cost efficiency with VoIP. |
