Overview
A port out is never a welcome event for the carrier losing the number, but it is especially frustrating when it happens unexpectedly or without authorization. Port out notifications are sent as soon as they are received from the carrier, delivered as a ticket in the Ports queue. The ticket will include a list of the phone numbers involved and the scheduled port out date if one has been provided.
Port Out Notification and Prevention by Carrier
Each carrier handles port out notifications and prevention differently. The table below summarizes what is available for the primary carriers:
| Carrier | Email Notification | PIN Available | PIC Freeze | Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PaeTec (Starnet/Windstream) | No | No | Yes | Request PIC via Support |
| Inteliquent/Onvoy | Yes | Yes* | No | Request PIN via Support |
| Bandwidth | No** | Yes* | No | Set via Manage DID Portal |
| Iristel | Yes | No | No | Respond to emailed notice |
| Flowroute | Yes | No | No | Respond to emailed notice |
| Toll-Free | Yes (AUC-72 Resporg ID) | No | No | Respond to emailed notice |
Note: PIN assignment can only be applied to on-net numbers. This applies to both Bandwidth and Inteliquent. Bandwidth does not send email notifications for port outs unless a PIN is assigned to the number.
Within the Manage DID portal, you can sort your numbers by carrier under the Manage Inventory menu to make prevention management and filtering easier.
If You Receive a Port Out Notice
It is critical to contact the end user immediately to confirm whether the port out was authorized. Most unauthorized port outs are automated in nature and stem from a typo or data entry error. Carrier account managers may be able to stop an automated error if they are notified quickly enough to communicate with the losing carrier’s port team.
You can expect to receive a ports ticket with one of the following statuses:
- Authorized Port Out – A list of numbers approved for port out is provided. The exact timing of when the port will complete is not always known at this stage. A follow-up notification will be sent once the carrier confirms completion.
- Declined Port Out – A list of numbers that were declined for port out is provided. It is worth investigating this request with your end customer to understand what prompted it.
How to Manage a PIN for a Single Bandwidth Number
- In the Manage DID portal, go to Manage Inventory.
- Set the carrier filter to Bandwidth to display only Bandwidth numbers.
- Find the number you want to protect and click the Lock icon under Actions.
- Enter a four-digit number in the Port Out Pin field and click Save.
To remove the PIN, clear the Port Out Pin field and click Save.
How to Add a PIN to All Bandwidth Numbers (Bulk Update)
- In the Manage DID portal, go to Manage Inventory.
- Set the carrier filter to Bandwidth to display only Bandwidth numbers.
- Click the selection box in the top left corner of the table to select all Bandwidth numbers.
- From the Select Bulk Action menu, choose Configure Port Out PIN.
- Enter a four-digit number in the Port Out Pin field and click Save.
To remove PINs in bulk, clear the Port Out Pin field and click Save.