NEW DELHI, Jan 17: On Friday, the telecom department introduced the Sanchar Saathi mobile app, designed to simplify the reporting of suspected fraudulent communications, enabling users to alert authorities directly from their mobile call logs.
During the announcement, Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also unveiled two additional initiatives from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT): the Vision for National Broadband Mission 2.0 and Intra Circle Roaming at 4G mobile sites funded by the ‘Digital Bharat Nidhi’.
The Sanchar Saathi portal, established in 2023, has proven to be an effective tool in combating fraudulent calls. The new app aims to enhance these efforts by promoting a secure environment for subscribers.
Scindia emphasized that the Sanchar Saathi initiative ensures “a safe and secure environment that protects the privacy and security of each customer.”
This new app, available on both Android and iOS, allows users to report suspicious calls and SMS messages directly from their logs. Additionally, it enables users to identify and manage all mobile connections registered under their names to prevent unauthorized usage.
Other functionalities include options for blocking and tracing lost or stolen mobile devices, as well as verifying the authenticity of mobile handsets to ensure consumers purchase legitimate products.
“With over 900 million smartphone users in the country, the Sanchar Saathi Mobile app aims to provide essential services at the fingertips of every individual,” stated an official release.
The second initiative, National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0, aims to position India favorably in the digital transformation era through high-speed broadband and significant connectivity for all.
Building on the achievements of NBM 1.0 (2019-2024), the new phase (NBM 2.0) intends to extend operational optical fiber cable (OFC) connectivity to 270,000 villages by 2030, achieving 95% uptime from the current 50,000, improving fixed broadband download speeds, and providing broadband access to 90% of anchor institutions, such as schools and Panchayat offices, by 2030.
Additional goals include reducing the average disposal time for Right of Way applications from 60 days to 30 days by 2030, increasing rural internet subscribers per 100 population to 60 by 2030 (up from 45), and aiming for 30% of mobile towers to be powered by sustainable energy by 2030.
Moreover, the initiative plans to utilize power sector assets, such as Optical Ground Wire (OPGW), to enhance broadband connectivity and strengthen the reliability and resilience of the broadband network during disasters, wars, and emergencies, particularly in remote and challenging terrains.
“Our aim is to ensure that at least 60 out of every 100 rural households have broadband accessibility. We also strive to attain a minimum fixed broadband download speed of 100 Mbps, creating a robust digital infrastructure for rural India,” Scindia remarked.
The Minister also inaugurated Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) at the 4G mobile sites funded by the Digital Bharat Nidhi.
This initiative is a vital component, with three major telecom service providers—BSNL, Airtel, and Reliance—collaborating to utilize each other’s infrastructure across all DBN-funded sites. With almost 27,836 such sites, this effort not only ensures connectivity but also empowers customers across the country with broader choices.
The initiative promises seamless 4G connectivity for over 35,400 rural and remote villages supported by nearly 27,000 towers. (PTI)
