In News:

The DoT has mandated that all newly manufactured or imported smartphones sold in India from March 2026 must come with the Sanchar Saathi app pre-installed. This ensures that users have access to security tools and awareness features from the outset.

However, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that the app is not mandatory for continued use; users can delete it if they choose. The mandatory aspect applies only to pre-installation by manufacturers, not compulsory retention by users.

What is Sanchar Saathi?

Sanchar Saathi is a telecom security and awareness platform developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. It is available both as a mobile application and a web portal, designed to empower users to manage their digital identity, report frauds, and safeguard mobile devices against misuse.

The initiative addresses rising concerns over phone theft, cyber fraud, cloning of devices, phishing scams, and unauthorised use of SIM connections, which have become widespread with increased mobile penetration.

Objectives of Sanchar Saathi

The app is designed to:

• Enhance digital safety and awareness among mobile users.
• Prevent telecom and cyber frauds by providing tools to report and track suspicious activities.
• Empower users to manage digital identity linked to mobile connections.
• Strengthen security mechanisms against phone theft and misuse.

These aims support broader national priorities on cybersecurity, consumer protection, and trust in digital services.

Key Features of the Sanchar Saathi Platform

• Fraud & Scam Reporting (‘Chakshu’):Users can report suspicious calls, SMS, or WhatsApp messages, including fake KYC alerts, impersonation scams, phishing links, and fraudulent content. This helps authorities identify and analyse fraud patterns.
• SIM and Identity Protection:Displays all mobile connections linked to a user’s identity, enabling detection of unauthorised or unknown SIMs registered without consent.
• Lost or Stolen Phone Blocking:Users can block the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) of a lost or stolen device, rendering it unusable on any network. Devices can be unblocked if recovered.
• Device Authenticity Verification:Helps verify whether a handset is genuine or blacklisted, particularly useful in India’s large second-hand phone market.
• Reporting Illegally Masked International Calls:Enables reporting of international calls disguised as local (+91) calls, which are often used in scams.
• Spam & Malicious Link Reporting:Users can report spam calls and messages, unsafe APKs, phishing websites, and fraudulent apps that violate Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) rules.
• Local ISP Locator:Helps users identify local wired internet service providers by entering a PIN code, address, or provider name.
• Trusted Contact & Helpline Directory:Provides a repository of verified customer-care numbers, emails, and websites for major institutions, aiding in authentic communication.

Significance and Impact

Sanchar Saathi strengthens India’s defence against digital fraud and mobile misuse by combining security functions with user awareness. Its features help:

• Reduce incidence of cloned or tampered devices.
• Protect users from identity misuse and financial scams.
• Assist authorities in curbing mobile theft and unauthorised network access.
• Provide safeguards to consumers, especially in the pre-owned smartphone market.

Since its launch, the platform has contributed to blocking more than 7 lakh lost or stolen devices, indicating its utility and reach.

Implementation and Accessibility

• For newly sold smartphones, Sanchar Saathi will be pre-installed by manufacturers and appear as a system app.
• Users with existing devices can install the app from official app stores.
• Manufacturers may also push it through software updates to existing devices.

Upon installation, users can log in with their mobile number and access the app’s features through a simple interface.

In News:

In a landmark move to enhance telecom accessibility, security, and empowerment across India, the Union Minister of Communications launched a suite of citizen-focused initiatives. Key highlights of the event included the launch of the Sanchar Saathi Mobile App, National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 and the inauguration of the Intra Circle Roaming facility at DBN Funded 4G Mobile Sites.

Sanchar Saathi Mobile App

• Launched by: Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications.
• Platforms: Available on Android and iOS.
• Objective: Strengthen telecom security, empower citizens, and combat telecom fraud.
• Key Features:
  • Chakshu (SFC): Report suspected fraud communications (calls/SMS).
  • Know Your Mobile Connections: Identify and manage all mobile numbers issued in one’s name.
  • Block Lost/Stolen Devices: Swiftly block, trace, and recover lost/stolen mobile phones.
  • Verify Handset Genuineness: Confirm the authenticity of mobile handsets before purchase.

Impact so far (via Sanchar Saathi Portal, launched May 2023):

• 2.75 crore fraudulent connections disconnected.
• 25+ lakh lost/stolen devices blocked.
• 12.38 lakh WhatsApp accounts linked to cybercrimes disengaged.
• 11.6 lakh mule bank accounts frozen.
• 90% spoofed international calls blocked within 2 months of new prevention system.

National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0

• Launched by: Union Minister of Communications, builds upon NBM 1.0 (2019–2024).
• Part of: National Digital Communications Policy, 2018.
• Aim: Digitally empower citizens and bridge the digital divide to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Key Targets (by 2030):

• 2.70 lakh villages to be connected with OFC (from ~50,000 now).
• 90% broadband connectivity to anchor institutions (schools, PHCs, Panchayats, Anganwadis).
• Fixed broadband speed: Increase national average from 63.55 Mbps (2024) to 100 Mbps.
• Right of Way (RoW) disposal time: Reduce from 60 days to 30 days.
• Rural internet subscribers: Increase from 45 to 60 per 100 population.
• 30% of mobile towers to be powered by sustainable energy.
• 100% mapping of PSU fiber networks on PM GatiShakti National Master Plan by 2026.
• Enhanced use of “Call Before u Dig (CBuD)” app to protect underground telecom infrastructure.
• Facilitate 5G rollout, and prepare infrastructure for 6G and common telecom ducts in all linear projects.
• Leverage power sector (e.g. Optical Ground Wire - OPGW) for broadband in remote/hilly areas.

Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) at DBN-Funded 4G Sites

• Launched by: Ministry of Communications.
• Implemented under: Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), formerly USOF.
• Objective: Allow subscribers of multiple telecom service providers (TSPs) (e.g., BSNL, Airtel, Reliance) to access 4G services from a single DBN-funded tower.
• Impact:
  • Eliminates need for duplicate towers.
  • Covers 27,000+ towers across 35,400 remote villages.
  • Enhances user choice, reduces cost, and ensures efficient infrastructure use.