India’s Digital Advancement: NBM 2.0 and Sanchar Saathi App

On January 17, 2025, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) launched two key initiatives to boost India’s digital connectivity and security: the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 and the Sanchar Saathi mobile app.

National Broadband Mission 2.0 (NBM 2.0)
Building on the progress made by NBM 1.0, which saw the establishment of nearly 8 lakh towers and a rise in broadband subscriptions from 66 crore to 94 crore, NBM 2.0 aims to connect the remaining 1.7 lakh villages across the country. The mission sets a goal to ensure that at least 60 out of every 100 rural households have access to broadband, with a minimum download speed of 100 Mbps. This initiative is designed to reduce the digital divide and foster inclusive growth.

Sanchar Saathi Mobile Application
The Sanchar Saathi app is created to help users secure their telecom services and fight fraud. Its key features include:

• Reporting Suspected Fraud Communications (SFC): Users can report suspicious calls and SMS directly from their phone logs.
• Managing Mobile Connections: Users can track and manage all mobile connections registered under their name, ensuring there is no unauthorized use.
• Blocking Lost or Stolen Devices: Lost or stolen devices can be quickly blocked, tracked, and recovered.
• Verifying Handset Authenticity: The app allows users to verify the authenticity of their mobile phones to ensure they are purchasing genuine devices.

Available on both Android and iOS, the app aims to strengthen telecom security and enable users to protect their personal data.

Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) at DBN-Funded 4G Sites
The DoT also launched Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) at Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)-funded 4G mobile sites. This service enables subscribers from different telecom operators—BSNL, Airtel, and Reliance—to access 4G services from a single DBN-funded tower, offering enhanced connectivity and more choice for users.