The Real Challenge of China SIP Number Porting

Number porting is the process of moving an existing phone number from one telecom carrier to another, keeping the same digits. In China, this process is significantly more complex for VOIP lines than for regular mobile numbers.

Last updated: August 2026

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Porting Process Steps
  3. How CTS Can Help
  4. City Coverage

VOIP phone number porting refers to the process by which a user transfers their existing phone number from one service provider to another while keeping the number unchanged.

However, in China, porting a VoIP phone number to a landline carrier can be more complex than standard mobile number portability (MNP).

China VOIP SIP number porting process overview diagram

Figure 1: Overview of the porting process in China.

Below Are the Steps for Processing VOIP SIP Number Porting in China

1. Contact your current account manager from China Telecom / China Unicom / China Mobile

Confirm that your number is eligible for porting. But 99% of the time, they will say it cannot be done.

2. You must persuade them to find the appropriate technical person to discuss the detailed requirements.

This account manager will set up a lot of meetings with you.

3. You must spend a lot of time communicating with the technical team and finally find a solution.

During communication, you need to be familiar with SIP trunk business.

4. Now go back to your current account manager and get their approval for the porting business.

If the porting will result in lower sales volume compared to the current service, the account manager will refuse to approve.

5. Finally, complete the technical and business steps. Cancel the current contract and process the new contract.

Congratulations! You have successfully ported to SIP.

Walter Wang, CTS Founder

“Account managers won’t directly say ‘we can’t do it,’ and certainly won’t say ‘because it affects my sales performance.’ They’ll just tell you ‘the process is complicated,’ ‘you don’t qualify,’ or ‘approval won’t go through.’ In China, porting is not just a technical issue — it’s a business and relationship issue. That’s why CTS exists — we understand how business works in China.”

— Walter Wang, Founder & CEO, CTS China VOIP Consulting

Seems Complex? CTS Consulting Can Act on Behalf of Your Company to Handle Number Porting Communication

Navigating the complex porting process in China requires deep technical and business expertise. CTS acts as your dedicated intermediary, handling all communication with the telecom providers, coordinating technical meetings, and ensuring the porting is completed smoothly.

CTS consulting can handle China SIP number porting technical and business communication on behalf of your company

Figure 2: CTS acts as a bridge, handling technical discussions and business coordination.

CTS Can Handle Technical and Business Communication and Coordination in Most Cities Across China

With our deep relationships with all three major carriers, CTS has the operational capability to manage number porting projects in nearly every major city in China.

CTS China SIP trunk porting coverage map showing major cities across China where CTS can handle number porting

Figure 3: CTS coverage across major cities in China.

Conclusion & Related Resources

Number porting in China is a complex but manageable process when you have the right partner. CTS provides the technical expertise and business coordination needed to navigate the challenges.

📘 How to Get a China SIP Trunk Number — Step-by-step guide

📘 China SIP Trunk Provider Guide — Understand who provides numbers

🔧 Get Your SIP Trunk Service — Start the application process

Need Help with Number Porting in China?

CTS can handle the technical and business coordination for you.

View SIP Trunk Service →