Importing a Number

If you have an existing phone number with another provider, you have two options for bringing it into Surge: porting (transferring ownership) or hosting (keeping ownership with your current provider while routing traffic through Surge).

Both paths are currently handled through Surge support. API support for number imports is planned.

Porting

Porting transfers your number from another carrier or provider into Surge's ownership. After porting, Surge owns and manages the number directly — you pay Surge for the number, and your previous provider's contract for that number ends.

When to port:

• You want to consolidate all messaging under a single provider
• Your previous provider relationship is ending
• You want full Surge management including TCR campaign registration

What to prepare:

• Your current provider account information
• Proof of ownership (typically the latest bill or account statement)
• The specific phone number(s) you want to port

Expected timeline: Number porting typically takes 2–4 weeks depending on your current provider's responsiveness.

Hosting

Hosting lets you keep the number registered with its current provider while routing its messaging traffic through Surge. The number stays in your current provider's account; you configure it to forward inbound messages and calls to Surge.

When to use hosting:

• You want to try Surge without committing to a full port
• Your number has contractual requirements that prevent porting
• You're using the same number for purposes outside of SMS

How to start

Contact Surge support at support@surge.app with:

• The phone number(s) you want to import
• Whether you want to port or host
• Your current provider name

Support will walk you through the specific requirements for your situation.