Can I keep my fax number and send fax by email?

How fax by email works

The fax number is assigned to the online fax service rather than to a physical machine. When someone faxes you, the pages are converted to a PDF and delivered to one or more email addresses, such as a shared reception mailbox. To send, you email the document from an approved address, or use the web portal, and receive a confirmation when it is delivered.

• Receive faxes anywhere, including on a phone.
• Deliver to several recipients, for example billing and reception.
• Keep a searchable log of sent and received faxes.
• Send from a computer without printing.

Porting the fax number

Fax numbers are often on the same account as your voice lines and port with them. If the fax line is a separate account, it needs its own bill and authorization. Since fax lines are sometimes forgotten, list every number on the account during planning, and check the fax line has not been quietly shared with an alarm panel or credit card terminal that also needs a plan.

Keep the fax machine connected until the port completes. After that, the machine can be retired or kept as a scanner.

When to keep a physical fax

Some businesses, notably clinics and legal offices, receive high volumes of faxes or have staff who prefer paper. A physical fax machine can still be used with an adapter, but most find that email delivery, with a printer if needed, is simpler. If both are wanted, the number can deliver to email and a device can be discussed with a specialist.