The Biz Reporter
Srinagar: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a significant directive aimed at curbing cyber fraud and securing the mobile ecosystem in India. In a move to protect citizens from counterfeit devices and telecom misuse, the government has mandated that all mobile manufacturers and importers pre-install the Sanchar Saathi App on handsets.
Here is a detailed breakdown of what this directive means for manufacturers and mobile users.
1. What is the New Directive?
Dated November 28, 2025, the DoT has issued strict instructions under the Telecom Cyber Security provisions. The mandate requires manufacturers and importers to:
- Pre-install the App: Every mobile handset manufactured for or imported into India must have the Sanchar Saathi app installed by default.
- Ensure Visibility: The app must be “readily visible and accessible” to the user during the initial device setup.
- No Restrictions: Manufacturers are prohibited from disabling or restricting any of the app’s functionalities.
- Update Existing Stock: For phones already in the sales channel (unsold inventory), manufacturers must endeavor to push the app to these devices via software updates.
2. The “Why”: Tackling Fake Phones & Fraud
The primary goal is to empower the “Jan Bhagidari” (public participation) approach to security. The government has identified severe risks associated with fake or spoofed IMEI numbers (the unique identity code of a phone).
- The Duplicate IMEI Threat: Criminals often use “spoofed” IMEIs, meaning the same IMEI number is active on hundreds of different devices simultaneously. This makes tracking cybercriminals nearly impossible.
- The Second-Hand Risk: India has a massive market for used phones. Often, stolen or blacklisted devices are resold to unsuspecting buyers, who then unknowingly become abettors to crimes or suffer financial loss when the phone is blocked.
- Immediate Verification: By having the app pre-installed, a buyer can instantly verify if the new or used phone they are holding is genuine or stolen/counterfeit before they start using it.
3. Key Features for You (The User)
The Sanchar Saathi initiative is designed as a “citizen-centric” tool. Having it on your phone gives you direct access to several critical safety features:
| Feature | Function |
|---|---|
| Verify Genuineness | Check the device’s IMEI number to ensure it isn’t counterfeit or blacklisted. |
| Report Fraud | Easily report suspected fraud calls, messages, or phishing attempts. |
| Lost/Stolen Reports | Report a lost device to block it from being used on any Indian telecom network. |
| Check Connections | See exactly how many mobile connections (SIM cards) are active in your name. |
| Trusted Contacts | Access verified contact details for banks and financial institutions to prevent banking fraud. |
4. Timelines for Compliance
The government has set a strict clock for manufacturers to adopt these changes:
- Implementation Deadline: Manufacturers have 90 days to implement the pre-installation on their production lines.
- Reporting Deadline: A full compliance report must be submitted to the DoT within 120 days.
5. Download Links
If your current device does not have the app, you can download it manually to access these services:
- Android: Google Play Store Link
- iOS: Apple App Store Link
