NUMBER PORTING
BENEFITS
Why keeping your number matters
Changing your business number is more disruptive than most people realise. Number porting removes that barrier entirely.
No disruption to your business
Your number keeps working on your old system right up until the moment the port completes. No gaps, no missed calls, no forwarding workarounds — a seamless cutover.
Protect your brand equity
Your business number is on your website, business cards, signage, invoices and in your clients' contact lists. Changing it means reprinting everything and losing years of recognition.
Move from any provider
Porting from Telkom, another VoIP provider or any ICASA-licensed operator. If you have a South African geographic or non-geographic business number, it can be ported to Othos.
Port multiple numbers at once
Moving a multi-branch business? Port all your numbers at once — each one can be assigned to its own ring group, IVR or extension on your new Othos Cloud PBX from day one.
Keep your Telkom landline number
South African businesses worried about leaving Telkom often stay longer than they should just to keep their number. Porting solves this — bring your 021, 011 or 031 number with you.
We handle the paperwork
Porting involves submitting forms to your current provider through the ICASA-regulated porting process. Our team handles every step — you just provide your details and we do the rest.
HOW IT WORKS
From your current provider to Othos in 4 steps
The porting process is straightforward. Here's what happens from the moment you request a port.
USE CASES
Who ports their number to Othos?
Anyone switching to VoIP who doesn't want to lose their existing business number — which is most businesses.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Everything in your number porting process
Othos handles the porting process as part of your onboarding — included with your Cloud PBX plan at no extra cost.
Port from any SA provider — Telkom and VoIP providers
Local geographic numbers (021, 011, 031 etc.)
0800 toll-free numbers
086 non-geographic numbers
Multiple numbers ported simultaneously
Zero downtime during transfer
Othos handles all paperwork and provider communication
Full PBX features active from day one
Progress updates throughout the process
SA-based support team managing your port
FAQ
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How long does number porting take in South Africa?
The porting timeline varies by provider and number type. Geographic landline numbers (021, 011, etc.) typically take 5–10 business days once the request is submitted and approved. Our team will give you a specific timeline when we initiate your port and keep you updated throughout.
Can I port my Telkom landline number to Othos?
Yes. Porting from Telkom is one of the most common requests we handle. Your existing Telkom geographic number can be fully ported to your Othos Cloud PBX. The number moves with you — Telkom has no grounds to refuse a legitimate port request under ICASA regulations.
Can my current provider deny the porting?
No. The number is yours and under ICASA regulations your current provider cannot refuse a legitimate port request. However, your account with your current provider must be financially up to date — any outstanding balance can delay the process until it is settled.
I have a rental agreement for my phones or current PBX — can I still port my number?
Yes. Rental agreements are associated with hardware only, not with services or phone numbers. You can port your number to Othos and continue using your existing phones if they are compatible. Please be aware that moving your numbers does not cancel any existing contracts — it is important to check your terms and conditions with your current provider before initiating a port.
Can I port multiple numbers at the same time?
Yes. If you have multiple numbers to port — from the same or different providers — we can handle them all. Each number is assigned to its own destination on your Othos PBX (ring group, extension, IVR) so your routing is fully configured before the port completes.
What information do I need to provide to start a port?
You'll need to provide the number you want to port, your current provider's name, your account number with that provider, and your billing address. For Telkom numbers, a copy of a recent bill is usually required. Our team will walk you through exactly what's needed when you start the process.
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