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In a landmark move to enhance telecom accessibility, security, and empowerment across India, the Union Minister of Communications launched a suite of citizen-focused initiatives. Key highlights of the event included the launch of the Sanchar Saathi Mobile App, National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 and the inauguration of the Intra Circle Roaming facility at DBN Funded 4G Mobile Sites.

Sanchar Saathi Mobile App

• Launched by: Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications.
• Platforms: Available on Android and iOS.
• Objective: Strengthen telecom security, empower citizens, and combat telecom fraud.
• Key Features:
  • Chakshu (SFC): Report suspected fraud communications (calls/SMS).
  • Know Your Mobile Connections: Identify and manage all mobile numbers issued in one’s name.
  • Block Lost/Stolen Devices: Swiftly block, trace, and recover lost/stolen mobile phones.
  • Verify Handset Genuineness: Confirm the authenticity of mobile handsets before purchase.

Impact so far (via Sanchar Saathi Portal, launched May 2023):

• 2.75 crore fraudulent connections disconnected.
• 25+ lakh lost/stolen devices blocked.
• 12.38 lakh WhatsApp accounts linked to cybercrimes disengaged.
• 11.6 lakh mule bank accounts frozen.
• 90% spoofed international calls blocked within 2 months of new prevention system.

National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0

• Launched by: Union Minister of Communications, builds upon NBM 1.0 (2019–2024).
• Part of: National Digital Communications Policy, 2018.
• Aim: Digitally empower citizens and bridge the digital divide to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Key Targets (by 2030):

• 2.70 lakh villages to be connected with OFC (from ~50,000 now).
• 90% broadband connectivity to anchor institutions (schools, PHCs, Panchayats, Anganwadis).
• Fixed broadband speed: Increase national average from 63.55 Mbps (2024) to 100 Mbps.
• Right of Way (RoW) disposal time: Reduce from 60 days to 30 days.
• Rural internet subscribers: Increase from 45 to 60 per 100 population.
• 30% of mobile towers to be powered by sustainable energy.
• 100% mapping of PSU fiber networks on PM GatiShakti National Master Plan by 2026.
• Enhanced use of “Call Before u Dig (CBuD)” app to protect underground telecom infrastructure.
• Facilitate 5G rollout, and prepare infrastructure for 6G and common telecom ducts in all linear projects.
• Leverage power sector (e.g. Optical Ground Wire - OPGW) for broadband in remote/hilly areas.

Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) at DBN-Funded 4G Sites

• Launched by: Ministry of Communications.
• Implemented under: Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), formerly USOF.
• Objective: Allow subscribers of multiple telecom service providers (TSPs) (e.g., BSNL, Airtel, Reliance) to access 4G services from a single DBN-funded tower.
• Impact:
  • Eliminates need for duplicate towers.
  • Covers 27,000+ towers across 35,400 remote villages.
  • Enhances user choice, reduces cost, and ensures efficient infrastructure use.