What is a CSR and How to Request One from Your Carrier
What is a CSR?
A Customer Service Record (CSR) is a snapshot of how your phone service is set up with your current carrier. It includes key details that the carrier has on file, such as how each telephone number is provisioned, which services are applied, and any special features or charges tied to the account.
Some of the typical information you’ll find in a CSR includes:
- The service address (sometomes different from the billing address)
- The billing telephone number (BTN) or account telephone number (ATN)
- Additional directory listings
- Long distance carriers (PIC selections)
- Call forwarding, voicemail, and other features
- Any blocks or restrictions (like international or 900-number blocks)
- Applicable taxes, fees, and line charges
In short, a CSR is the official record that your current carrier will use to validate account information during a number porting request.
Why is a CSR Important for Number Porting?
When you submit a request to port phone numbers to the RingLogix platform, your existing carrier will compare the details you provide with what’s listed in your CSR. If the information doesn’t match—down to formatting in some cases—the request might be delayed or even rejected.
While every carrier has slightly different requirements, most will try to match:
- The business or account holder name
- The service address ZIP code
- The BTN or account number
📌 Tip: Having an accurate CSR before initiating the porting process is one of the best ways to ensure a smooth and speedy transfer. The most common cause of porting delays is mismatched information.
How to Request a CSR
Most carriers will provide a CSR upon request, but the process can vary. Here's what we recommend:
Contact your current carrier’s support team. You can usually do this by calling their customer service number.
Clearly request a copy of your Customer Service Record.
Ask for the CSR to be emailed to you. It’s best to have the complete document in writing rather than just verbal details.
Review the CSR carefully to ensure all information is accurate and up to date.
Once you have your CSR, you can provide it during the port submission process via the RingOS Portal to avoid errors and speed things up.
Can RingLogix Get the CSR for Me?
In most cases, no—your current provider is not obligated to release your CSR to RingLogix or any other provider. We strongly recommend that you obtain it directly from the existing carrier before submitting your port request.
Note for Canadian Partners
If you're working with Canadian numbers, be aware that most Canadian telecom carriers do not provide CSRs to other carriers or end users. You may need to rely on billing statements and other internal records to ensure your port request is accurate.
Final Thought
Having your CSR on hand isn't just helpful—it's often essential. It reduces friction, shortens porting timelines, and helps avoid unnecessary rejections. If you’re unsure how to interpret your CSR or need help preparing your port request, our Partner Success team is always here to help.