The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced three major initiatives to enhance India’s telecom infrastructure and improve citizen-centric services.
These initiatives were unveiled by the Union Minister of Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, and include the launch of the Sanchar Saathi Mobile App, National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0, and the introduction of Intra Circle Roaming at DBN-funded 4G mobile sites.
Sanchar Saathi Mobile App
The Sanchar Saathi Mobile App is designed to boost telecom security and assist citizens in managing their telecom resources.
At the launch, the Minister stressed the app’s role in creating a “secure environment” for users. The app, available on Android and iOS, offers several key features:
- Chakshu – Reporting Suspected Fraud Communications (SFC): Users can report suspicious calls and messages directly from their phone logs.
- Know Mobile Connections in Your Name: Helps users identify and manage all mobile connections issued in their name.
- Blocking Your Lost/Stolen Mobile Handset: Allows swift blocking, tracing, and recovery of lost or stolen devices.
- Know Mobile Handset Genuineness: Verifies the authenticity of mobile devices to ensure users buy genuine products.
With over 90 crore smartphone users in India, the app aims to provide essential services easily accessible on their phones.
National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0
The National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 was launched by Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, building on the success of NBM 1.0. Under NBM 1.0, nearly 8 lakh towers were established, and broadband subscriptions grew from 66 crore to 94 crore.
NBM 2.0 aims to connect 1.7 lakh villages, providing broadband access to at least 60% of rural households with a minimum download speed of 100 Mbps by 2030.
Key objectives and benefits of NBM 2.0 include:
- Extending optical fiber cable (OFC) connectivity to 2.70 lakh villages by 2030, ensuring 95% uptime.
- Providing broadband to 90% of anchor institutions (schools, PHCs, Anganwadi centers, Panchayat offices) by 2030.
- Improving national fixed broadband speeds from 63.55 Mbps to 100 Mbps by 2030.
- Mapping 100% of government-owned fiber networks by 2026 on the PM GatiShakti platform.
- Reducing Right of Way (RoW) application disposal time from 60 to 30 days by 2030 (from 449 days in 2019).
- Increasing rural internet subscribers per 100 people from 45 to 60 by 2030.
- Powering 30% of mobile towers with sustainable energy by 2030.
- Enhancing the usage of the ‘Call Before u Dig’ (CBuD) app for telecom infrastructure protection.
- Collaborating on the implementation of new RoW rules for telecom infrastructure.
- Supporting 5G rollout and preparing infrastructure for future 6G networks.
- Promoting shared telecom ducts and utility corridors to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
- Leveraging optical ground wire (OPGW) for reliable broadband in remote, disaster-prone areas.
NBM 2.0 aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, aiming to position India as a global knowledge society with high-speed broadband and meaningful connectivity for all.
The mission focuses on transforming sectors like e-governance, disaster management, and rural connectivity, laying the foundation for a digitally inclusive future.
Intra-Circle Roaming at DBN-Funded 4G Mobile Sites
The Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), previously known as USOF, supports bridging the telecom gap in rural and remote areas through mobile tower projects. DBN-funded towers cater exclusively to subscribers of the telecom service provider (TSP) that installed the tower, limiting service for other TSP subscribers.
Recently, Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) was introduced at DBN-funded 4G mobile sites. This initiative enables subscribers from multiple TSPs (BSNL, Airtel, Reliance) to access 4G services through a single tower, reducing the need for multiple towers and improving cost efficiency for operators and the government.
Key Highlights:
- 27,836 DBN-funded 4G sites nationwide.
- 35,400 rural and remote villages to benefit from seamless 4G connectivity.
- Lower capital expenditure (CAPEX) for operators and government.
- Increased connectivity options for users across the country.
Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (Telecom), emphasized:
“The Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) initiative, alongside the Sanchar Saathi Mobile Application, will not only provide better connectivity but also empower users to combat telecom-related scams, especially in remote regions.”
The launch event was attended by Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (Telecom); Shri Rohit Sharma, Member (Services), DCC; Shri Sanjeev K Bidwai, Member (Technology), DCC; Shri Gulzar Natarajan, Additional Secretary (T), and other dignitaries from various government departments.