What is the process of keeping your telephone number when changing service providers called?

The process of keeping your telephone number when changing service providers is referred to as porting. This term specifically describes the ability to transfer your existing phone number from one telecommunications provider to another without changing the actual number itself.

Porting is essential for customer convenience as it allows users to switch service providers for better rates or services without the hassle of updating their contact information. This process is regulated and standardized to ensure it is accessible to consumers, who must usually initiate the porting process through their new provider. The term emphasizes the act of carrying over something, in this case, the telephone number, from one service environment to another.

Understanding the concept of porting reinforces the importance of customer retention strategies in the telecommunications industry, where having a familiar contact number can significantly influence a customer's choice to stay with a provider or switch to a competitor.