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?
At Global Call Forwarding, we can port your Skype number to our network and ensure your business communication remains uninterrupted. However, keep in mind that only business numbers can be ported.
Note that there may be other circumstances where we may not be able to port your number. However, you can buy a new phone number with us to replace your Skype phone number. Simply go to our Pricing page, select your desired country and phone number type, and enter your Forward-to / Destination number. Submit your application and we’ll take care of the rest.
Additionally, Skype’s number coverage was limited—only available in about 25 countries. Global Call Forwarding offers coverage in 160+ countries, so if your Skype number isn’t eligible for porting, we can still provide a replacement number in your desired country.
How to Replace Skype’s International Calling Feature
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 feature 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 Port a Skype Number?
To port your Skype number over to Global Call Forwarding, follow the below steps:
- Go to our Pricing page.
- On the left, select the country of the number to be ported (United States, Canada, etc).
- Select the number type (toll free, geographic, mobile).
- Select the prefix or area code (as relevant).
- Select Port/Transfer My Number.
- On the right, enter the phone number you would like incoming calls to be forwarded to.
- Select your phone plan based on monthly minutes included: Basic, Value, Power, Premium, and Enterprise.
- On the next screen, add Outbound Calling, if you want to make calls with this number.
- Submit your request.
- Send an invoice from your current carrier to [email protected].
Note: We only offer number porting for businesses. It is not available for personal use or TFA verification purposes.
Once we receive your application and documents, we will start working on your porting request. This can take a few days to a few weeks.
Depending on the country of the desired phone number and the number type, additional porting fees will be applicable.
Remember to cancel your old service only after the new service is activated.
Need to check if your Skype number can be ported? Chat with our team today to discuss your options!
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.
Ready to port your Skype numbers to Global Call Forwarding? Check out this step-by-step Skype porting guide and transfer your numbers.
Our 24/7 teams are ready to help you transition smoothly and keep your business connected.
