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How to Convert Phone Number Types in Skype for Business Online

Dominic Lanza

Mar 29 2018

2 min read

Skype for Business makes it easy for businesses to simplify their infrastructures with one platform for calling, conferencing, video, and sharing. With Skype for Business, everyone will have an assigned phone number they can use as their business line that will also travel with them on their smartphones. That’s just one of the many different advantages Skype for Business brings to the table.

Businesses can assign two different types of phone numbers with Skype for Business online. A number can be either a User number, or it can be a Service number. As its name implies, User numbers can be assigned to users. Service numbers can be used for audio conferencing, auto attendants, or a call queue. But what do you do if you want to convert a User number to a Service number, or vice versa?

Fortunately, the answer is rather easy. Unfortunately, the solution is not something you can perform yourself.

The Skype for Business admin center does NOT provide a method to convert the phone number type. There are no PowerShell commands that will make the conversion either. The only way to change a phone number type is to contact the Microsoft Number Porting Team by sending an email to PTN@Microsoft.com. When sending the email request, be sure to include the following:

the numbers to be converted,
the number type, and
the tenant domain the numbers are associated with.

In my experience, Microsoft will typically make the conversion in less than an hour. If you need additional information on creating and setting up service numbers, check out Microsoft’s support documentation. Feel free to also contact us at any time regarding Skype for Business questions or how Skype for Business can be the professional solution perfect for your business.

This publication contains general information only and Sikich is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or any other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should you use it as a basis for any decision, action or omission that may affect you or your business. Before making any decision, taking any action or omitting an action that may affect you or your business, you should consult a qualified professional advisor. In addition, this publication may contain certain content generated by an artificial intelligence (AI) language model. You acknowledge that Sikich shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by you or any person who relies on this publication.

About the Author

Dominic Lanza

Project Engineer and Networking Consultant for SMB clients in northeast Ohio with a focus on Microsoft solutions. Job responsibilities include technical project design, implementation, documentation, support and formal project management. Involved in sales activities and communicating with C-level decision makers.