Tata Indicom Shuts Down in Delhi: Can Users Port From CDMA to GSM?

Customers on the defunct telco in the capital can switch from CDMA to GSM without changing their number.

Tata Indicom services were running on CDMA, one of the few telcos to support it until now. 

(Photo: Reuters)

Tata Indicom’s telecom service in Delhi has been shut down this week. As you might already know, Tata Indicom is one of the few telcos to still support code-division multiple access or CDMA connectivity in the country.

However, with the closure of its services, many people are confused about their way out of this situation. Most of them aren’t even sure whether they’ll be able to switch from their existing CDMA network to Global System for Mobile Communication or GSM. So, the question is, will they be able to retain their number and port to other telcos like Airtel or Reliance Jio?

If so, then how does one go about porting his/her number? Here are some pointers on how to go about it.

First up, Tata Indicom users will be pleased to know that switching from one network to another (CDMA to GSM) can be done without giving up on their existing number. So, if you’ve got 98xxxxxxxx with the defunct telco till date, you can port to any of the available operators in the country without having to change your number.

It doesn’t matter if you’re on networks like CDMA, GSM or LTE on mobile. They are all interoperable. 

In simple words, CDMA or GSM is the network you are using, and the mobile number is not linked to these technologies. Hopefully this puts an end to the confusion among most Tata Indicom customers in Delhi.

Now, the next big question is, how does one port from one mobile network to another. Mobile number portability or MNP process has been simplified by the telecom regulator in the country, making it convenient for the consumers.

You can switch from Tata Indicom to any network of your choice. 

The following steps need to be followed by a user to ensure their services don’t get permanently deactivated on the number.

1. SMS PORT <space> your mobile number to 1900 before your service is turned off
2. You will get an alphanumeric code
3. Pick up the Customer Acquisition form for the telco you would like to switch to
4. Fill up the form, get your Know Your Customer (KYC) process done to activate your number with the new operator.
5. You’ll be charged Rs 4 for activating your number with the new operator.

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