Getting Started 5 min read 5 February 2026

How to Port Your Phone Number in Australia (Step-by-Step)

Number porting lets you keep your existing business phone number when you switch phone providers. You do not lose your number, your clients do not need to update their contacts, and there is zero downtime when done correctly.

What Numbers Can Be Ported?

In Australia, almost all number types can be ported to VoIP:

  • Geographic numbers (02, 03, 07, 08 area codes) — the most common porting request
  • Mobile numbers (04xx) — yes, you can port a mobile to VoIP
  • 1300 numbers — portable, handled by the 1300 number owner
  • 1800 numbers — portable, same process as 1300
  • 13 numbers — portable but requires ACMA approval

Numbers that cannot be ported: 000 (obviously), 1194, 1234, and certain special service numbers.

How Long Does Porting Take?

Porting timeframes in Australia are regulated by the ACMA and the Communications Alliance:

  • Geographic numbers (landlines): 5–10 business days from submission of a complete porting request
  • Mobile numbers: Usually 1–2 business days
  • 1300/1800 numbers: 5–10 business days

Complex ports (multi-service numbers, non-standard carriers) can take up to 20 business days. Your existing service stays active during the porting process — there is no period where your number is unreachable.

Step-by-Step Porting Process

  1. Sign up with your new provider — In our case, start a free trial or activate a Hosted PBX plan.
  2. Submit a porting request — Provide your current carrier details, account number, and the number(s) to port. We handle the paperwork.
  3. Receive confirmation from your losing carrier — They will acknowledge the request within 1–2 business days.
  4. Set a port date — Agree on a date and time for the cutover. We recommend mid-morning on a weekday so any issues can be resolved during business hours.
  5. Cutover occurs — At the agreed time, your number transfers. Calls to your old number immediately ring on your new VoIP system.
  6. Test and confirm — Call your number from a mobile to verify it routes correctly.

What Can Go Wrong (and How to Avoid It)

Most porting delays are caused by:

  • Incorrect account details: The name, address, or account number on your porting request must match exactly what your current carrier has on file.
  • Bundled services: If your number is part of a bundle (ADSL, PSTN, or NBN bundle), the bundle may need to be separated first.
  • Outstanding debt: Some carriers block ports until an outstanding bill is paid.
  • Wrong number format: Submit the number exactly as it appears on your bill (e.g., 08 9250 4554, not 892504554).

Does It Cost Anything?

At PC Madness VoIP, porting a geographic landline number is free. 1300 and 1800 numbers carry a $55 porting fee and mobile numbers $22, and a rejected port may attract a rejection fee. Always check porting costs before signing up.

Your current carrier may charge an "early termination fee" if you are still in contract. Check your agreement before initiating a port.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does number porting take in Australia?
Geographic (landline) numbers typically port within 5–10 business days. Mobile numbers port in 1–2 business days. Complex or disputed ports can take up to 20 business days.
Will there be any downtime when I port my number?
No. Your existing service stays active right up until the cutover moment. The transition is instantaneous — calls divert to your new provider at the agreed port time with no gap in service.
Can I port my 1300 number to VoIP?
Yes. 1300 and 1800 numbers are portable. The process takes 5–10 business days and is handled by your new VoIP provider on your behalf.
Is number porting free?
Geographic landline numbers port to PC Madness VoIP free of charge. 1300 and 1800 numbers cost $55 to port and mobile numbers $22. Your current carrier may also charge an early termination fee if you are in contract.