Note (May 1st): We are no longer accepting Skype port-ins. Due to the May 5th cutoff date, porting requests will be rejected. Instead, clients can purchase a new phone number to replace their old Skype number.
In a major shift in business communication, Microsoft has announced that Skype will be shutting down in May 2025. For businesses relying on Skype phone numbers to manage customer interactions and make international calls, this raises an urgent question:
What happens to your number and how can you transition to a new provider without losing service?
At Global Call Forwarding, we offer a seamless Skype replacement solution for businesses. If you’re concerned about losing your Skype number, need a new number in a different country, or want to maintain your international calling capabilities, we’ve got you covered.
What’s Happening with Skype?
Skype has long been a popular choice for businesses looking for cost-effective international calling and virtual phone numbers in select countries. However, Microsoft is officially discontinuing Skype in May 2025, meaning:
- Businesses that purchased a Skype number will need to port it to another provider to keep it active.
- Users who registered their existing phone numbers with Skype for international calling will require a new international calling service.
- Users who relied on Skype for business communication will need to transition to a new cloud phone provider.
Can You Port Your Skype Number?
As of Skype’s shutdown in 2025, Skype numbers are no longer portable. This means that if your business was using a Skype number, you will need to obtain a new virtual phone number from a telecom provider like Global Call Forwarding.
While Skype’s number coverage was limited to about 25 countries, Global Call Forwarding offers local, toll-free, and international phone number coverage in over 160 countries—making it easier to replace and upgrade your communication setup.
- Get new numbers in your desired country.
- Maintain local presence with local caller IDs.
- Access advanced features like call recording, IVR, outbound calling, and CRM integrations.
How to Get International Calling
Many Skype users didn’t buy phone numbers through the platform but instead registered their existing phone numbers with Skype to make international calls. After verification via OTP, they were able to place calls with their registered Caller ID. However, this functionality will be discontinued.
Thankfully, with Global Call Forwarding, you can still make international business calls—and with added benefits:
1. Buy a virtual number from us in the country of your choice.
2. Route inbound calls to any device or location.
3. Enable Outbound Calling to place international calls using your business number as the Caller ID.
4. Access and download your monthly invoices in the Billing section of the control panel.
Our service provides a more reliable, business-grade alternative to Skype, with greater global coverage and professional call management features.
How to Replace Your Skype Number?
Since Skype numbers are no longer portable, you will need to purchase a new virtual phone number. Follow the below steps to get new virtual phone numbers with Global Call Forwarding:
- Go to our Pricing page.
- On the left, select the country of the number you want (United States, Canada, etc).
- Select the number type (toll free, geographic, mobile).
- Select the prefix or area code (as relevant).
- On the right, enter the phone number or VoIP/SIP address you would like incoming calls to be forwarded to.
- Select your phone plan based on monthly minutes included.
- On the next screen, add Outbound Calling, if you want to make calls with this number.
- Submit your request.
Once we receive your application and documents, we will start working on activating your phone numbers.
Note: Our services are not available for TFA verification purposes.
Switching to Global Call Forwarding
If your business has been using Skype numbers or Skype for international calls, now is the time to transition to a more reliable, feature-rich provider.
With Global Call Forwarding, you can:
- Expand your reach with local, toll-free, and international numbers in 160+ countries.
- Access enterprise-grade call features, including IVR, call forwarding, call recording, and analytics.
- Get professional invoicing and transparent billing for your records.
Our 24/7 teams are ready to help you transition smoothly and keep your business connected.
