PBX phone system installation, relocation and reinstallation

Number porting

Consider whether you’d like to keep your existing number or if you are fine with a new number. If you’re wanting to keep your existing number you should start the process of number porting well in advance. Geographic numbers and non-geographic numbers can be ported to a VoIP service. 

If you aren’t currently using landlines, number porting will not be involved. Instead, you will need to select a new number.

Read our guide on porting landline numbers to VoIP and explore the steps you’ll need to take to complete the process, the cost of number porting and more.

Devices

You should decide on how the PBX system will function and how users will interact with the system. You may need to purchase IP phones if you’d prefer traditional handsets. Brands that can be used include Snom, Yealink, Grandstream, and Polycom.

You could also opt to equip devices with a cloud phone extension application, including desktop computers or laptops. This reduces the need for handsets, relying on the computer or laptop microphone and speakers instead. Explore our UVC Classic Softphone Extension.

Network & other hardware requirements

Fibre or another active connection like LTE needs to be set up at your premises as this will act as the backbone of your VoIP solution, it’s also critical for most other day to day business functions and will be important at your new site. 

Installation times for fibre can vary depending on your region, so plan the trenching (if necessary) and network and/or VoIP installation well in advance. 

Your network speed also needs to be considered as voice data will compete with other devices on the same network. 

Alternatively, you might decide that you need a VLAN to separate data used by VoIP devices from other devices operating on the same network, which can provide a more reliable, delay-free solution.imate the time and effort required for PBX switchboard moves such as these.

Number porting

When relocating, you can take your hosted PBX system with you and no number porting is required.

Devices/handsets

As your devices are already equipped and configured, they can move with you to your new location and be connected to a fast and reliable network. These devices may be computers, mobile devices, tablets or IP phones.

Network & other hardware requirements

When moving a hosted PBX system to a new location, your network is a primary consideration. A Fibre, LTE or another reliable network will need to be in place to ensure you have access to the internet and can facilitate and manage calls. 

If your new location doesn’t have Fibre already, you should plan to get Fibre installed in advance or rely on an LTE network solution depending on the coverage available in your area.

Number porting

A business that currently relies on landlines and their landline number to facilitate calls will need to initiate the number porting process in advance to ensure their current number can be used in their new premises.

We recommend planning this to the day, as losing your number, permanently or even for a few days, is a poor reflection on the business and could affect sales.

Geographic numbers and non-geographic numbers can be ported to new premises.

Devices

PBX hardware and devices need to be purchased or leased and set up at your new premises. This may include PBX main units, handsets and other hardware components. An analogue landline will also need to be installed and activated. 

Connecting PBX hardware components and handsets to the system will involve physically connecting these elements using appropriate cables (RJ11 and more).

Network & other hardware requirements

If you are installing a new copper landline needs to be scheduled well in advance. 

A traditional landline will need to be physically installed if it is not on the premises already. The line will have to be active or prepared for activation on the day you relocate. 

You will also need to install your PBX main unit, other necessary hardware components and relevant cabling to complete your system on-site. Desk phones and other types of physical handsets will also have to be connected.

To ensure a smooth transition to your new site/building/campus, all of the above need to be considered carefully. Often organizations underestimate the time and effort required for PBX switchboard moves such as these.

Number porting

When moving to a new location, your landline number will need to be ported to your new premises. It’s best to initiate the number porting process well in advance to ensure your current business number can be used in their new premises. If Telkom is your current provider, you will need to contact them to plan your number port. If you are with another provider, they will usually work with you to complete the number porting process from start to finish.

Aim to plan this to the day as losing access to your number for a few hours or days can be detrimental to ongoing operations. 

Geographic numbers and non-geographic numbers can be ported to a new premises.

Devices/handsets

Devices such as desk phones, cordless DECT handsets and other wired or wireless peripherals (like headsets) need to be transported safely and set up at your new premises. 

This will involve physically connecting each device to PBX hardware components using appropriate cables (RJ11and more).

Network & other hardware requirements

You will need to ensure that sufficient phone lines have been installed to handle incoming calls. You’ll also need to take your PBX main unit and other important hardware components with you to a new location. Physical cabling will also need to be in place throughout the office to ensure there is a connection between your analogue landline, the PBX main unit, handsets and other hardware components.

Number porting

Hybrid PBX VoIP systems may still rely on analogue lines to facilitate calls. 

If you have an existing landline number with Telkom this will need to ported. Aim to plan this to the day as losing access to your number for a few hours or days can be detrimental to ongoing operations.

Devices/handsets

Types of handsets including desk phones, cordless handsets, IP handsets and other peripherals that will be used to facilitate calls need to be purchased or leased and set up at your premise. 

Depending on your solution’s design, this may require relevant cabling to be in place throughout the office.

Network & other hardware requirements

Your PBX main unit and other important hardware components will need to be installed at your premises. Physical cabling may also need to be in place throughout the office as well as a reliable internet connection for your VoIP lines.

Number porting

Hybrid PBX systems may still rely on analogue lines to facilitate calls. 

If you’d like to keep your existing landline number, it will need to be ported to be used at your new premises. Aim to start the number porting process in advance and plan it to the day to avoid losing access to your number which can impact business operations.

Devices

Types of handsets including desk phones, cordless handsets, IP handsets and other peripherals will need to be transported safely and set up at your new premises.

Network & other hardware requirements

Your PBX main unit and other important hardware components will need to be transported safely and set up at your new premises. Physical cabling and Fibre, LTE or Wireless internet connection will also need to be in place to ensure there is a connection between your analogue landline, PBX unit, other hardware components and handsets.