Local Number Portability (LNP)

Definition - What does Local Number Portability (LNP) mean?

Local number portability (LNP) is a service provided by a telecommunications service provider that enables users to port their telephone number in between different service providers and geographical locations. It allows users to keep the same land line or phone number while changing their local exchange carrier (LEC).

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Techopedia explains Local Number Portability (LNP)

LNP primarily helps telecom end users access the existing number regardless of their physical location or the service provider being used. For example, through LNP, a local resident can carry/port an existing number even if they have moved to a new provider, a new home or even a new city.

Typically, LNP works through a local routing number (LRN) service that provides call routing service for telecommunication operators. In the U.S., LNP and LRN are managed by number portability administration centers (NPAC), which generate a new LRN each time a customer switches providers and send that LRN to the new provider to help them route calls for that number.