Switching home phone providers in Canada is much easier than most people expect. Unlike Internet service, there are no technician visits, no digging, and no waiting on last-mile infrastructure.
In most cases, you can switch your home phone to VoIP in a few days, without losing your number and without interrupting service.
This guide explains how switching home phone service actually works, how number transfers (porting) happen, what equipment is required, and what to expect from start to finish.
Quick summary: switching home phone at a glance
Here’s the short version:
- You can keep your existing phone number
- Or choose a brand-new number for faster activation
- Most switches complete in 3-10 business days
- No technician visit required
- Works with any Internet provider
- Don’t cancel your old phone service until the transfer completes
Simple, predictable, and low stress.
What is VoIP (Digital Home Phone)?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a modern home phone service that uses your Internet connection instead of traditional copper phone lines.
From your perspective:
- You still use a regular home phone
- You still have a local phone number
- Calls sound the same (or better)
- Emergency services (911) are supported
The difference is behind the scenes, and it’s what makes VoIP more flexible and affordable.
Why people hesitate to switch home phone providers
The most common concerns we hear are:
- Can I keep my phone number?
- Will my phone stop working during the switch?
- Do I need NetJOI Internet?
- Do I need a technician?
- What about 911?
These are valid questions, and they’re all easy to answer.
Can I keep my existing phone number?
Yes, in most cases, you can keep your number.
This process is called number porting, and it’s standard across Canada.
Your phone number belongs to you, not your phone or VoIP provider. As long as the number is active and the account information is correct, it can be transferred safely to a new service.
What’s required to transfer a number
Typically:
- the phone number being transferred
- the name exactly as it appears on the current account
- for wireless numbers: the account number is required
- in some cases, a recent bill
Providing accurate information upfront helps avoid delays.
Important: don’t cancel first
Do not cancel your existing phone service before the transfer completes.
Do not cancel your existing phone service before the number transfer completes. If the line is cancelled early, the number may be released and cannot be recovered.
If you cancel early, the number may be released and cannot be recovered. This is the single most important rule when switching phone providers.
What if I want a new phone number instead?
If you don’t need to keep your existing number, switching is even faster.
When you choose a new phone number:
- There’s no porting process
- No coordination with another provider
- No dependency on your old account
Your phone service can usually be activated as soon as your adapter arrives, and sometimes sooner if everything is ready.
This is the fastest option if:
- you’re moving
- you’re setting up a second line
- you don’t need your old number
Choosing a new phone number or using a compatible Grandstream adapter you already own can speed up activation since there’s no number transfer or shipping delay.
How switching home phone service actually works
The process is straightforward:
- You order VoIP service
- You choose to keep your number or request a new one
- An ATA adapter is prepared and shipped
- If transferring a number, we submit the port request on your behalf
- Your current provider confirms the transfer date
- We monitor the process end-to-end
- Your number switches automatically to the new service
- You confirm everything is working
- You cancel your old phone service
You don’t need to contact your old provider to initiate the transfer, once submitted, the process is automatic.
For number transfers, the porting process usually begins before your adapter is shipped. This helps align delivery and activation so service is ready as soon as equipment arrives.
Typical timeline for switching home phone
Most phone number transfers complete within 3–10 business days.
Timing depends on:
- your current provider
- whether the number is active
- how quickly information is confirmed
During the process, your existing phone service continues working normally.
Do I need a technician visit?
No.
VoIP does not require a technician visit.
You simply plug an adapter into:
- your Internet router
- a power outlet
- your existing home phone
That’s it.
Do I need NetJOI Internet?
No.
NetJOI Phone works with any Internet provider.
You can keep your current Internet service and still switch your home phone to NetJOI.
Equipment setup (what you’ll receive — and what you can use)
NetJOI Phone uses a small ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter) to connect your home phone to the Internet.
Our recommended adapter
NetJOI supplies the Grandstream HT801, which is:
- reliable
- widely supported
- pre-configured for your service
Our supplied Grandstream HT801 arrives fully pre-configured. Just plug it into your router, connect your phone, and power it on, no manual setup required.
When it arrives, it’s plug-and-play, no manual setup or programming required. Just connect it to your router, plug in your phone, and power it on.
Using your own adapter
If you already have compatible equipment, you can use it instead.
- Grandstream HT801 or HT802
These can be automatically configured using our system. Activation is usually just as fast as using a supplied adapter. - Cisco / Linksys SPA122
We provide clear setup instructions so you can configure the device yourself. - Other SIP-compatible devices
We’ll provide your phone number and authentication details. Configuration is supported, but setup is handled by the customer.
Using compatible equipment you already own can sometimes speed up activation, since there’s no need to wait for shipping.
Regardless of which option you choose, compatibility is confirmed upfront so there are no surprises.
What about 911 and emergency calling?
VoIP includes access to enhanced 911 (E911) services.
When you sign up, you register your service address so emergency responders know where to send help. This information can be updated if you move.
Emergency calling works differently than traditional landlines, but it’s reliable and widely used across Canada.
Switching home phone – what to expect
| Step | What happens | Who handles it |
|---|---|---|
| Order service | Choose plan and number option | You |
| Equipment | ATA prepared and shipped | NetJOI |
| Number transfer | Port request submitted and monitored | NetJOI + current provider |
| Activation | Number moves to new service | Network |
| Confirmation | Test calls completed | You |
| Cancellation | Old phone service cancelled | You |
Where NetJOI Phone is available
NetJOI Digital Home Phone is available across Canada, regardless of NetJOI Internet availability.
It works with:
- any Internet provider
- apartments and houses
- most standard home phones
What makes switching to NetJOI Phone different
- Keep your existing number
- Or get a new number fast
- No contracts
- Cancel anytime
- Works with any Internet provider
- Clear pricing with no surprises
- Friendly support from a small Canadian team
Switching your home phone shouldn’t feel risky, it should feel overdue.
