Disputed porting

Disputed Porting occurs when a number is ported out to a new carrier without proper authorization from the end user.

FCC rules, guidelines, and policies establish that it is the new carrier’s responsibility to ensure that the port request it submits is authorized. In order to encourage competition and freedom of choice by end users, applicable rules and procedures limit the ability of the old or “losing” carrier to verify that port out requests are properly authorized.

How Bandwidth addresses disputed porting

Bandwidth can provide port-out notifications so that customers are able to review and validate telephone numbers that have been ported out by end users. If a customer believes a number has ported without valid authorization, the Bandwidth LNP team works with the other carrier to make a determination of the validity of the request. If the port was not authorized, the number will be returned as quickly as possible.

The following process is required in order for the LNP team to process a “snapback” of a number that has been ported without authorization. Please note, it is critical to report these types of incidents within 24 hours of the porting activity:

1. Report the potentially unauthorized port to the LNP team by opening a ticket.
2. Attach an LOA if needed. An LOA signed by the end user of record, identifying the end user’s choice of carrier may be requested. This should be attached to the ticket if so.
3. Call the LNP team promptly (855-864-7776) to advise that a number was potentially ported away without valid authorization and that a ticket has been opened. The LNP team will immediately begin to work with the other carrier in an attempt to return the number if the port was not properly requested. This may require further cooperation or input from the customer or end user.

Information regarding Bandwidth’s disputed porting process

IMPORTANT: Any unauthorized ports shall be reported to Bandwidth within 24 hours of the occurrence, but no more than one week after the occurrence. Any unauthorized port request brought to Bandwidth’s attention more than one week after the day it ported away is considered a ‘winback’, to which standard porting timeframes and policies apply.

Things to keep in mind with unauthorized ports: Numbers are authorized based on the new or “winning” carrier’s criteria of validation.

An unpaid bill by an End User does not constitute an invalid port. In fact, the FCC has made clear that carriers cannot delay or prevent porting due to a billing dispute or unpaid accounts.

Terms related to disputed porting

• Local Number Portability (LNP)
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
• Letter of Authorization (LOA)
• Snapback