When you register the first time, the process makes you pick a new FPL number.
You must pick an FPL number if you've never done so before to complete the registration process fully.
When you log back in at
https://www.freephoneline.ca/appSettings, the FPL number should be shown.
If you've already picked an FPL number and are being asked to choose another, then either the old account was deleted due to inactivity (
https://support.freephoneline.ca/hc/en- ... t-deleted-), or you're creating a new FPL account with a different email address.
After successfully registering and picking an FPL number, you buy a VoIP Unlock Key:
https://www.freephoneline.ca/login?page ... ToPurchase.
Afterwards, you port in by selecting, "transfer my number" from
https://www.freephoneline.ca/redirectToPurchase. The fee is an additional $25+tax.
Visit
https://support.freephoneline.ca/hc/en- ... r-porting- for further information.
You can transfer numbers from these locations:
https://support.fongo.com/hc/en-us/arti ... Home-Phone.
Porting times vary:
https://support.freephoneline.ca/hc/en- ... oneline-ca.
Keep in mind that when porting takes place, routing updates need to occur. Some carriers take awhile to fully update routes, and random issues (number is not in service; not all carriers can ring your number), can occur.
Porting notifications go to NPAC (Number Portability Administration Centre) and once activated, the porting changes get broadcasted to CLECs (Competitive Local Exchange Carrier, such as Fibernetics), or, at least, that's my understanding. The updates are supposed to happen automatically, but for whatever reason, Fibernetics' (parent company of Freephoneline and Fongo) interval for updates seems to be a bit slower than with some other carriers. I find these types of issues typically resolve within 24 to 48 hrs after you receive a notice that porting has been completed from Fongo.
I didn't experience any issue when porting, so problems don't always occur. They have occasionally based on user feedback on the forums. Again, waiting awhile usually addresses call routing problems, after porting, automatically.
Note that your SIP username for FPL will change once porting is completed. Login at
https://www.freephoneline.ca/showSipSettings to check your SIP Username. It will need to be updated in the ATA, IP Phone, or SIP app being used after porting is completed.
If you're setting up FPL for someone else and are experiencing difficulty (based on
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=20491), then you may want to consider Fongo Home Phone instead. At least they offer free technical support (via online tickets). A four month free promo exists:
https://www.fongo.com/blog/fongo-boxing-week-sale-2022/. Freephoneline isn't a good choice for newcomers to SIP services, in my opinion, since users have to be their own tech support. Freephoneline is a good choice for those who are very familiar with SIP services and want to save money in the long run.