India’s Digital Leap: NBM 2.0 & Sanchar Saathi App

On January 17, 2025, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) unveiled two significant initiatives aimed at enhancing India’s digital connectivity and security: the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 and the Sanchar Saathi mobile application.

National Broadband Mission 2.0 (NBM 2.0)

Building upon the foundation laid by NBM 1.0, which established nearly 8 lakh towers and increased broadband subscriptions from 66 crore to 94 crore, NBM 2.0 seeks to connect the remaining 1.7 lakh villages across India. The mission aims to ensure that at least 60 out of every 100 rural households have access to broadband connectivity, with a minimum fixed broadband download speed of 100 Mbps. This initiative is expected to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive growth.

Sanchar Saathi Mobile Application

The Sanchar Saathi app is designed to empower citizens by providing tools to secure their telecom resources and combat fraud. Key features include:

• Reporting Suspected Fraud Communications (SFC): Users can report suspected fraudulent calls and SMS directly from their mobile phone logs.
• Managing Mobile Connections: Citizens can identify and manage all mobile connections issued in their name, ensuring no unauthorized usage.
• Blocking Lost or Stolen Devices: Lost or stolen mobile devices can be swiftly blocked, traced, and recovered.
• Verifying Handset Authenticity: The app offers an easy way to verify the authenticity of mobile handsets, ensuring users purchase genuine devices.

Available on both Android and iOS platforms, the app aims to enhance telecom security and empower users to protect their personal information.

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

Additionally, the DoT inaugurated Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) at Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)-funded 4G mobile sites. This initiative allows subscribers of multiple telecom service providers—BSNL, Airtel, and Reliance—to access 4G services from a single DBN-funded tower, enhancing connectivity and providing users with greater freedom of choice.

Summary of the news

Why in News	Key Points
National Broadband Mission 2.0 (NBM 2.0) & Sanchar Saathi App Launched	– NBM 2.0 launched by DoT on January 17, 2025. – Aims to connect 1.7 lakh villages with broadband. – Target: 60% rural households with 100 Mbps minimum download speed.
Sanchar Saathi App	– App designed to enhance telecom security. – Allows reporting fraud, managing mobile connections, blocking lost devices. – Available on Android & iOS.
Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) 4G Sites	– Intra-Circle Roaming introduced at DBN-funded 4G sites. – Allows users to access 4G services from multiple telecom providers (BSNL, Airtel, Reliance).
India’s Telecom Security Initiative	– Focus on empowering users with tools for fraud prevention and device security. – First step towards a secure telecom environment for citizens.
Telecom-related Data	– The telecom ministry is focused on increasing broadband access and user security. – Push for digital empowerment and inclusive growth.
Static Points	– Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications. – NBM 1.0 set the groundwork for NBM 2.0. – Sanchar Saathi mobile app launched as part of this initiative.