Porting a phone number associated with a broadband service generally ceases the broadband , that unfortunately is the norm , there is ( but seldom used ) an order type that needs to be raised by the gaining VoIP provider not the losing provider, and that is a renumber and port , where the broadband service is maintained by renumbering it , allowing the wanted number to be ported as a single order .
If no break in broadband service is essential, then the solution has already been suggested, that is you get a second, separate, standalone broadband service in and working first , then engage the VoIP provider to request the required number to be moved to them , ceasing the original broadband but the second broadband service remains available, it requires a short period of paying for two services, ….its not ideal , the ordering tools are available for that second service not to be necessary, but it’s the VoIP provider that is responsible for arranging it , not the losing provider and they seem unaware or unwilling to offer that renumber/ port facility …at least the less than ideal method of getting a second service works .
Another possibility, ceased numbers are required to be available for 30 days after cessation to be ported if requested , you could simply ask BT to renumber your existing service , making your original number ceased but available for port for a month after , you then engage your VoIP provider, but this won’t be seamless, and should it go wrong the number become unretrievable , the safe bet is a temporary second broadband service, that becomes the remaining service after number porting has taken place .
