Local Number Portability is
the feature to use if you would like to retain your existing traditional phone
number when you switch to the VoIP service. With this, your old number is
transferred to your VoIP phone and you don't have to inform your
friends, family members and business contacts about your new internet phone
number.
As the Local Number Portability
(LNP) involves your old phone service and the VoIP service provider, you
have to see if both allow this feature. Most VoIP service providers have this
feature but it may not be so with with your traditional phone service. Even with
the VoIP providers you may find some who still do not have this facility or are
in the process of incorporating in their service.
The transfer of your old number to
your VoIP phone takes time - from a few days to some weeks or months, sometimes.
During this period, your VoIP provider will give you a temporary number but you
will have to pay for the old service also. Do consider all these aspects before
going for this feature of keeping your old number for your new internet phone.
