“Sanchar Saathi App Launched to Boost Telecom Security and Connectivity”

Varahimedia.com online news, January 17th,2025: Building on the success of NBM 1.0, which saw the establishment of nearly 8 lakh towers, NBM 2.0 aims to transform rural and remote connectivity. At the launch, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia stated, “Broadband subscriptions have risen from 66 crore to 94 crore, showcasing India’s growing telecom prowess. NBM 2.0 will continue this momentum, connecting the unconnected and empowering rural India.”

Ambitious Goals by 2030:

• Extending Optical Fiber Cable (OFC): Reach 2.7 lakh villages with 95% uptime.
• Broadband Access for Anchor Institutions: Connect 90% of schools, PHCs, Anganwadi centers, and panchayat offices.
• Faster Internet Speeds: Increase national average fixed broadband speed to 100 Mbps.
• Rural Internet Penetration: Grow rural internet usage to 60 subscribers per 100 population.
• Green Energy Initiatives: Power 30% of mobile towers with sustainable energy.

NBM 2.0 is not just about infrastructure—it envisions a digitally inclusive India aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, promising connectivity that transforms education, healthcare, governance, and economic opportunities.

Intra Circle Roaming (ICR): Enhanced Connectivity in Rural Areas

The launch of Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) at DBN-funded 4G mobile sites is set to bridge telecom gaps in remote areas. This initiative enables multiple telecom service providers (TSPs), such as BSNL, Airtel, and Reliance, to share infrastructure at 27,836 DBN-funded sites, ensuring seamless 4G connectivity for over 35,400 villages.

Benefits:

• Improved service quality through shared infrastructure.
• Lower costs for operators and the government.
• Greater subscriber choice and freedom in rural regions.

Achievements and Milestones of DoT Initiatives

Since its launch in May 2023, the Sanchar Saathi Initiative has:

• Secured 25 lakh lost devices.
• Disconnected 2.75 crore fraudulent mobile connections.
• Blocked 90% of spoofed calls, reducing them from 1.35 crore to 6 lakh.

Additionally, the Digital Intelligence Platform has collaborated with over 520 organizations, including central security agencies, financial institutions, and telecom providers, to strengthen national telecom security.

The Road Ahead: A Connected, Resilient India

Through the combined efforts of initiatives like the Sanchar Saathi Mobile App, NBM 2.0, and ICR, the Department of Telecommunications is paving the way for a digitally inclusive and secure future. These projects reaffirm India’s position as a global leader in telecom innovation and connectivity, ensuring every citizen reaps the benefits of a robust digital infrastructure.

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