# CAT A and CAT C porting

> The difference between simple (CAT A) and complex (CAT C) landline ports, their stages and how long each takes.

- URL: https://kb.voipcloud.online/au/services/number-porting/cat-a-and-cat-c-porting/
- Section: Services › Number porting
- Type: reference
- Applies to: Australia
- Last reviewed: 2026-11-09

Landline (geographic) numbers are ported as either **CAT A** (simple) or **CAT C** (complex). Your current provider's carrier decides which category the number falls into. If the application uses the wrong category, it's rejected and you pay a rejection charge, so check with your current provider before you submit.

## Which category is my number?

| | CAT A (simple) | CAT C (complex) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Used for | A basic, single-number service, such as a fixed PSTN phone line. | Numbers with one or more complex services attached, number blocks, and numbers linked to other numbers. |
| Numbers per application | One. | Up to 100 per batch. All linked numbers must be ported together. |
| Typical time | 2–10 business days once the losing provider accepts the request. Up to 15, depending on the losing carrier. | 5–28 business days once the losing carrier accepts the port. |
| If it goes wrong | A CAT A port on a number with a complex service is rejected (code 005). Resubmit it as CAT C. | Most rejections happen at the pre-port validation stage. |

A number needs a CAT C port if it has, for example:

- ISDN services
- a line hunt
- fax services
- a number block (the whole block counts as one number, so every number in it must be ported)
- ADSL services
- a Telstra DOT service, or it was ported from one

To find out, ask your current provider, or check your latest bill for complex services.

## Before you submit a CAT A port

Make sure the number has no complex services attached. Check with your current provider or on your latest invoice. If a complex service is found, the port is rejected with code **005 - Unable to Cancel Individual Complex Service**. See [Porting rejections](https://kb.voipcloud.online/au/services/number-porting/porting-rejections/#005-complex-service).

## CAT C stages

Because CAT C ports are complex, the carriers go through extra stages before booking the cutover.

| Stage | What happens |
| --- | --- |
| **PNV** (pre-port number validation) | The gaining carrier sends a regulatory form asking the losing carrier for the service and account details. The losing provider and carrier check the number belongs to the account, isn't cancelled, has no pending activity, and that every linked number is included. Almost all CAT C rejections happen here. |
| **CNA** (complex notification advice) | The gaining carrier sends a porting notification order with the details of each number. The losing carrier validates it and accepts the port. |
| **CCA** (complex cutover advice) | All carriers involved (losing, gaining and any donor carrier) agree a cutover booking. A donor carrier or several batches can make this take longer. |

Overall, a CAT C port takes 5–28 business days once the losing carrier accepts it.

The losing carrier sets the lead times, not your provider. That's why CAT C ports vary so much. See [Why is my CAT C port taking so long?](https://kb.voipcloud.online/au/services/number-porting/porting-faqs/#why-is-my-cat-c-port-taking-so-long)

## Related

- [Porting overview](https://kb.voipcloud.online/au/services/number-porting/porting-overview/)
- [Porting rejections](https://kb.voipcloud.online/au/services/number-porting/porting-rejections/)
- [Porting FAQs](https://kb.voipcloud.online/au/services/number-porting/porting-faqs/)