A Letter of Authorization (LOA) is a legal document that can be used to grant permission for certain actions or services. In telecommunications, it lets service providers and carriers port phone numbers and telephony services from an old provider to a new provider. In other words, LOAs in telecommunications help ensure telephone numbers aren’t moving between carriers without permission from the authorized end-user. Think of it as a permission slip.
An LOA is an important document because it grants legal authority to an individual or business entity to act on behalf of another person or entity to carry out a specific action or set of actions.
Parties often look to LOAs as a tool to help:
In the number porting context, an LOA allows businesses to move their phone numbers from one carrier to another. It’s formal approval for the new carrier to initiate the porting process on behalf of the requesting customer. The LOA also verifies that the transfer has been requested by an authorized third party and prevents unapproved actions. Having an LOA in place provides a clear, documented porting record that increases accountability and reduces the chances of disputes.
An LOA should include:
Letter of Authorization (LOA) for Number Porting
Letter of Authorization (LOA) for Number Porting
Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Authorized Company Name: [ Business Name]
Current Carrier Name: [Current Service Provider Name]
Account Number: [Account Number with Current Carrier]
Billing Address on File: [Street Address, City, State, Zip Code]
Phone Numbers to be Ported:
- [Phone Number 1]
- [Phone Number 2]
- [Phone Number 3]
Authorization Statement:
I, [Full Name of Authorized Contact], authorize the transfer (port) of the listed telephone numbers from our current service provider, [Current Carrier Name], to our new provider. This authorization allows [New Carrier’s Name] to act on behalf of [Business Name] in the porting process for these numbers. I understand this porting request will cancel services associated with these numbers with our current provider and agree to the terms and responsibilities outlined in this process.
Authorized Contact Information:
- Name: [Full Name of Authorized Contact]
- Title: [Position/Title]
- Phone Number: [Contact Number]
- Email: [Contact Email]
[Signature of Authorized Contact]
Witness or Notary (if required by the carrier)
After the company has submitted the LOA, carriers must submit a preferred carrier exchange within 60 days. However most carriers will likely act on the request within a few days.
The Letter of Authorization is typically prepared by the person or entity granting the authority—also known as the author or principal. They outline who they’re authorizing, what actions can be taken, and any specific limitations.
Your new phone company is asking for an LOA to ensure they have your permission to transfer your phone number and services from your old provider. It prevents changes from being made without your consent.
LOAs don’t need to be notarized unless specified by the organization or the nature of the transaction. However, notarizing an LOA can add a layer of legal protection by verifying the author’s identity. It’s often recommended for more formal or sensitive matters to prevent disputes.
When companies switch to a new phone carrier, the carrier will need an LOA to access and transfer information away from the old provider.
After the company has submitted the LOA, carriers must submit a preferred carrier exchange within 60 days. However most carriers will likely act on the request within a few days.
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