Sanchar Saathi’ App Launched to Strengthen Telecom Security and Empower Citizens
In a significant move to enhance telecom accessibility, security, and empowerment across India, Union Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, launched a series of citizen-centric initiatives in New Delhi on January 17, 2025. Among the key highlights of the event was the unveiling of the Sanchar Saathi Mobile App, along with the introduction of National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 and the inauguration of Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) at DBN-funded 4G mobile sites.
Sanchar Saathi Mobile App: A Step Towards Securing Telecom Networks
The Sanchar Saathi Mobile App is designed to be a user-friendly platform that strengthens telecom security and empowers citizens. This initiative is aimed at improving safety and trust in telecom networks across India. While launching the app, Minister Scindia emphasized that the app not only opens doors to opportunities but also ensures a secure environment for all users.
Available on both Android and iOS, the Sanchar Saathi app offers a range of features aimed at enhancing user experience and security:
- Chakshu – Reporting Suspected Fraud Communications (SFC): Users can report suspicious calls and SMS messages directly through the app or their mobile phone logs.
- Know Mobile Connections in Your Name: Citizens can track and manage all mobile connections issued in their name, ensuring no unauthorized usage or fraud.
- Blocking Lost/Stolen Mobile Handsets: In the event of losing a mobile device, users can swiftly block, trace, and recover it through the app.
- Know Mobile Handset Genuineness: The app enables users to verify the authenticity of mobile handsets, ensuring that they are purchasing genuine devices.
With over 90 crore smartphone users in India, the Sanchar Saathi Mobile App aims to ensure that every individual has easy access to these critical tools with just a few taps on their smartphones, thereby fortifying the telecom ecosystem for a safer and more secure digital experience.
National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0: Connecting Rural India
In addition to the launch of the Sanchar Saathi app, Minister Scindia unveiled the vision document for the National Broadband Mission 2.0 (NBM 2.0). This initiative aims to expand upon the success of NBM 1.0, which saw the establishment of nearly 8 lakh towers across the country. Scindia highlighted that the growth in broadband subscriptions, from 66 crore to 94 crore, has laid a strong foundation for the next phase of broadband expansion in India.
NBM 2.0’s key objectives include:
- Connecting the remaining 1.7 lakh villages in India to high-speed broadband connectivity.
- Ensuring that 60 out of every 100 rural households have access to broadband services.
- Achieving a minimum fixed broadband download speed of 100 Mbps in rural areas, creating a robust digital infrastructure to support economic and social growth.
Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) at DBN-funded 4G Sites
Another important development announced during the event was the inauguration of Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) at DBN-funded 4G mobile sites. This initiative marks a significant collaboration between three major telecom service providers (TSPs)—BSNL, Airtel, and Reliance—to leverage each other’s infrastructure at over 27,836 DBN-funded sites across the country.
Minister Scindia underscored the importance of this initiative, stating, “With this collaboration, we are not only enhancing connectivity but also giving customers across the country the freedom of choice.” The ICR facility will enable subscribers to benefit from seamless mobile coverage and service, even in remote or rural areas, which were previously underserved.
A Vision for a Digital India
Through the launch of these initiatives, the Government of India aims to create a more inclusive, secure, and digitally empowered environment for all citizens. The Sanchar Saathi Mobile App, NBM 2.0, and ICR at DBN-funded 4G sites represent critical steps in building a comprehensive digital ecosystem that will enhance connectivity, protect users from telecom fraud, and ensure that rural India is not left behind in the digital age.
With these transformative initiatives, India is poised to strengthen its telecom infrastructure and create a safer, more accessible digital space for all citizens.
