Can I Keep My Business Phone Number? Check in 30 Seconds

Your business number is on your cards, your website, your invoices, and your customers' phones. Losing it is not an option. The good news: almost every Australian business number can be ported (transferred) to a new provider. Here is how to check yours.

1 What type of number do you want to keep?

2 Who is your current provider?

3 Is this number currently active (working right now)?

4 How many numbers do you need to port?

Ready to port your number?

Maxotel handles the entire porting process for you. They will check your number, submit the paperwork, and coordinate the cutover so there is zero disruption to your business. It is included in their onboarding at no extra charge.

Start your number port with Maxotel
Australian Number Porting Quick Reference (2026)
  • Governed by: ACMA Numbering Plan and Local Number Portability (LNP) framework
  • Standard landline porting: 5-10 business days
  • Mobile porting: 1-3 business days
  • 1300/1800 porting: 10-15 business days
  • Complex/multi-number: up to 20 business days
  • Porting is a regulated right -- carriers cannot refuse valid requests
  • Disconnected number quarantine: typically 6-12 months before recycling
  • ACMA Number Portability Helpdesk: 1800 808 800
  • Key rule: NEVER cancel your old service before porting completes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does number porting take in Australia?

Standard landline: 5-10 business days. Mobile: 1-3 business days. 1300/1800: 10-15 business days. Complex multi-number ports: up to 20 business days.

Will there be any downtime during the port?

In most cases, no. The number cuts over seamlessly. There may be a brief window (minutes, not hours) during the final cutover where calls could fail, which is why most providers schedule this outside business hours.

Can my old provider block the port?

No. Number portability is a regulated right in Australia under ACMA rules. Your current provider cannot refuse a valid porting request. They can charge early termination fees if you are under contract, but they cannot hold your number hostage.

Do I need to tell my old provider I am leaving?

No. Your new provider submits the port request, which automatically notifies your old provider. Do NOT call your old provider to cancel first -- this can disconnect the number and make porting impossible.

What if I have multiple numbers on the same account?

You can port some or all of them. Each number is ported individually. If you only want to move your main number and not secondary lines, that is fine.

Is there a cost to port a number?

Most VOIP providers include porting in their setup at no extra cost. Your old provider cannot charge a "porting fee" under ACMA rules, but may charge early exit fees on your contract.