How to Port In a Local Area Code Phone Number

Porting your local area code phone number into eCourtDate enables your agency to retain its existing number while utilizing eCourtDate's communication features.

Step 1: Verify Eligibility of the Phone Number

Contact Your Current Service Provider: Before initiating the porting process, reach out to your current provider to confirm that your phone number is eligible for porting. Ensure there are no contractual obligations or pending fees that could hinder the process.
  

Step 2: Gather Necessary Documentation

1. Obtain Customer Service Record (CSR): Request a copy of your CSR from your current provider. This document contains essential information such as the authorized customer’s name and service address, which must match exactly during the porting process. 

2. Recent Phone Bill: Have a copy of your most recent phone bill (dated within the last 30 days) that includes your account number and billing address.
3. Account Number and PIN: Ensure you have your account number and, if applicable, the PIN associated with your account, as some providers require this for porting.

Step 3: Log in to Your eCourtDate Agency Account

This should be the agency that you want to use the phone number in. Ensure you have administrator permissions to manage agency settings. Navigate to staging if you want to port a non-production phone number. Navigate to production if you want to port a production phone number.

Step 4: Access the Agency Phones Section

1. Click on Admin > Settings in the main menu.
2. Click Agency Phones.

Step 5: Initiate the Port Request

1. In the Create Agency Phone form, select Port as the phone type. Enter the phone number you wish to port.
2. Click Create.

Step 6: Verify that the Phone Number is Portable

After the phone number is created, you should see a Portability Checker section with the following details:

• If the phone number is portable or not portable
• If a fast port is supported (2 - 4 business days)
• The phone number’s current carrier
• A link to download the LOA form

Step 7: Submit the Required Documentation

1. If the phone number is eligible for porting, it will show as Portable.
2. Download the Letter of Authorization (LOA) form provided.
3. Complete the LOA form with the required details, ensuring all information matches exactly with your CSR and recent phone bill.
4. Email the completed LOA form, along with your CSR and recent phone bill, to help@ecourtdate.com.

Step 8: Await Confirmation and Continue Current Service

1. The eCourtDate Help Team will review your request and confirm the Firm Order Commitment (FOC) date, which is the scheduled date for the porting to occur.
2. Continue using your existing provider to send messages until after the FOC date has passed to ensure no disruption in service.
3. Once the porting is complete, you can start using eCourtDate for messaging with the ported number.

Best Practices:

• Consistency is Key: Ensure that all information provided during the porting process matches exactly with the records held by your current provider. Inconsistencies can lead to delays or rejections.
• Maintain Current Service: Keep your current service active until the porting process is fully completed to avoid any service interruptions.
• Plan Ahead: The porting process can take between 2 to 4 weeks for standard ports, depending on the carriers involved. Plan accordingly to ensure a seamless transition.

To ensure that there is no disruption in service, we recommend that you continue to use your current provider to send messages until after the FOC date has passed.

For any issues or assistance, contact the eCourtDate Help Team at help@ecourtdate.com.