Introduction:

When transferring your geographic numbers from one telecommunications provider to another, you will likely encounter the terms “CAT A” and “CAT C.” These are the two primary porting classifications for geographic numbers and have a significant impact on the success or failure of number management.

CAT A or C?

Once a porting application is submitted, it is sent to the current provider (losing carrier), who determines the port category for the number. The most common type is a Simple Port, or CAT A port. If a Simple Port encounters issues, it may transition into a Complex Port, or CAT C. If you are uncertain about your port’s category, reach out to your current provider or refer to your most recent bill to check for any complex services associated.

Simple Port (Category A)

Category A ports are typically straightforward and efficient, often used for relocating basic telephone services like fixed PSTN phone lines. Category A porting applications generally take between 2 to 10 business days once the request is accepted by the losing provider.

Rejections

Should a CAT A port involve complex services, it will be rejected under Reason 005 – “Unable to Cancel Individual Complex Service – Commsalliance-Reject-Codes-V1-030220.”

Prevention:

To prevent rejections when submitting your CAT A (Simple Port) application, ensure that there are no complex services linked to the number. You can verify this either through your current provider or by reviewing your most recent invoice.

Complex Port (Category C)

Complex ports are employed when a number typically includes one or more of the following, but not limited to:

1. ISDN Services
2. Line Hunt
3. Fax Services
4. Number blocks – Number blocks are considered a ‘single number,’ meaning that all numbers within that block must be ported.
5. ADSL Services
6. Ported from Telstra DOT

Cat C porting applications generally take between 5 to 28 business days once the request is accepted by the losing provider.

What Happens When the Port Is Accepted?

Due to the complexity of CAT C ports, there are additional steps that must be completed before scheduling your cutover date. This process is divided into two stages:

PNV (Pre-port Number Validation) Stage:

This stage involves the submission of a regulatory form, allowing the gaining carrier to request service number details from the losing carrier. The PNV stage typically takes about 10 business days from submission, and it’s where the majority of rejections tend to occur.

CNA (Complex Notification Advice) Stage:

The CNA stage involves the submission of a ‘Porting Notification Order’ from the Gaining Carrier (C/CSP) to the Losing Carrier (C/CSP). This order provides the initial Porting details for each Telephone Number to be Ported using the Cat-C (Complex) process. The CNA stage takes approximately 6 business days from submission.

If you still have concerns or questions about your upcoming number port, we recommend reaching out to our number management team, who can address any inquiries and provide clarification.