New Delhi – The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a groundbreaking directive mandating the pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on all new mobile handsets manufactured or imported for sale in India. This significant move, announced on Monday, targets all original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and importers, marking a pivotal shift in India’s approach to mobile security and fraud prevention.
The directive ensures that the Sanchar Saathi app will be readily visible and accessible to end users during their first device use or setup. Manufacturers must guarantee that the app’s functionalities remain enabled and unrestricted, making it an integral part of every smartphone user’s experience from day one.
Understanding the Sanchar Saathi App and Its Purpose
Established in May 2023, the Sanchar Saathi app serves as a comprehensive portal for mobile security and fraud prevention. This innovative platform allows users to report and block lost or stolen mobile phones, identify malicious web links, and monitor the number of mobile connections registered in their name. Additionally, users can verify trusted contact details of banks and financial institutions, creating a robust defense against telecommunications fraud.
According to DoT officials, the Sanchar Saathi app will significantly streamline fraud reporting processes. Previously, users had to navigate to websites to report fraud or stolen devices, creating delays and complications. The app eliminates these barriers, offering immediate access to critical security features directly from users’ smartphones.
Key Features and Capabilities
The Sanchar Saathi app offers an advanced suite of features designed to protect users. One of its most significant advantages is the elimination of IMEI number memorization requirements when reporting fraud. The portal’s sophisticated technology handles this automatically, simplifying the reporting process considerably.
Users can access multiple essential services through the Sanchar Saathi app, including verification of mobile connections issued in their name and authentication of handset genuineness. The platform also enables reporting of suspicious communications, spam, and international calls displaying Indian numbers. Notably, the app operates without requiring OTP verification on the phone, ensuring accessibility even when devices are lost or stolen.
Impressive Impact Statistics
The Sanchar Saathi app has already demonstrated remarkable effectiveness since its launch. More than 42.14 lakh mobile devices have been blocked through the platform, while over 26.11 lakh lost or stolen handsets have been successfully traced and recovered. These numbers underscore the initiative’s significant impact on reducing mobile-related crimes.
The platform has received over 288 lakh requests from individuals seeking information about mobile connections registered in their names, with more than 254 lakh requests resolved successfully. The app’s popularity is evident in its user base, boasting more than 1.14 crore registrations, over 1 crore downloads from Google Playstore, and more than 9.5 lakh downloads from the Apple Store.
Implementation Timeline and Compliance Requirements
Major OEMs including Apple, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Samsung have been given 90 days to comply with the Sanchar Saathi app pre-installation requirement. Manufacturers must submit compliance reports within 120 days, ensuring accountability and timely implementation across the industry.
For devices already manufactured and present in sales channels, the government has instructed manufacturers and importers to push the Sanchar Saathi app through software updates. This comprehensive approach ensures that both new and existing devices benefit from enhanced security features.
Government’s Vision for Citizen Protection
The DoT has emphasized that this mandate aims to “safeguard citizens from buying non-genuine handsets, enabling easy reporting of suspected misuse of telecom resources and to increase effectiveness of the Sanchar Saathi initiative.” This multi-pronged approach addresses several critical issues simultaneously: counterfeit device proliferation, telecommunications fraud, and resource misuse.
Enhanced User Experience and Accessibility
The mandatory pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app represents a significant step toward democratizing mobile security in India. By making these features immediately available to all users, regardless of their technical expertise, the government ensures that every smartphone owner has access to powerful protective tools from the moment they activate their device.
The initiative’s success depends not only on installation but also on user awareness and adoption. With the Sanchar Saathi app pre-installed and prominently displayed, users will naturally discover its features, leading to increased utilization and, consequently, enhanced protection against mobile-related fraud and theft.
Conclusion
The mandatory installation of the Sanchar Saathi app marks a transformative moment in India’s telecommunications security landscape. By combining advanced technology with government oversight and manufacturer cooperation, this initiative promises to create a safer mobile ecosystem for millions of Indian users, significantly reducing fraud and improving device security nationwide.
