Sanchar Saathi: Citizen-Centric Framework for Telecom Security

Sanchar Saathi: Citizen-Centric Framework for Telecom Security

 

 

Sanchar Saathi Mobile Application: Strengthening Telecom Security

 

The Sanchar Saathi mobile application was introduced in January 2025 to enhance transparency, safety, and citizen control within India’s expanding telecom ecosystem. With mobile phones central to banking, governance, education, healthcare, and digital services, the platform addresses growing risks related to identity misuse, device theft, and telecom-enabled fraud.

 

Rationale and Context

 

India’s telecom network serves over a billion subscribers and functions as critical digital infrastructure. Rising incidents of cyber fraud, forged identities, and deceptive communications created the need for a citizen-facing preventive mechanism. Sanchar Saathi responds by enabling users to verify, report, and protect their telecom identities directly.

 

Core Design Principles

 

The application follows a voluntary, consent-driven model. It activates only after user registration and allows full control over activation, deactivation, or deletion. Privacy protection is embedded by design, ensuring security enhancement without compromising personal data autonomy.

 

Measurable Outcomes

 

Since launch, the platform has recorded widespread adoption and tangible results. Millions of mobile devices reported as lost or stolen have been blocked, unauthorised connections disconnected, and fraudulent identifiers removed. These interventions have significantly reduced misuse of telecom resources and associated financial risks.

 

Financial Fraud Risk Indicator

 

An important component is the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator, which categorises mobile numbers based on their likelihood of financial misuse. This risk-based classification assists financial institutions and digital payment platforms in applying enhanced safeguards for high-risk numbers.

 

Citizen-Centric Functionalities

 

The application integrates multiple services on a single interface. Users can report suspicious calls, messages, or online communications, track and block lost devices, verify handset authenticity, identify unauthorised connections issued in their name, and report international calls disguised as domestic numbers.

 

Public Participation and Transparency

 

Citizen reporting plays a central role in enforcement actions against fraudulent telecom activities. Public dashboards display actions taken, reinforcing transparency, accountability, and trust in the system.

 

Legal and Privacy Safeguards

 

The platform operates within India’s cyber and data protection framework. It collects only essential information required for service delivery, avoids commercial profiling, and restricts data sharing strictly to lawful requirements, ensuring protection against unauthorised access or misuse.

 

Conclusion

 

Sanchar Saathi represents a comprehensive approach to telecom security by combining technology, legal safeguards, and citizen participation. It strengthens trust in digital communications while reducing fraud, identity misuse, and device-related crimes across the country.

 

 

MCQ:

1.The primary objective of the Sanchar Saathi mobile application is to:
A. Expand mobile network coverage in rural regions
B. Strengthen telecom security and protect digital identity
C. Regulate mobile handset prices
D. Promote domestic smartphone manufacturing

2.The Sanchar Saathi application was introduced in:
A. 2023
B. 2024
C. 2025
D. 2026

3.The operational model of the Sanchar Saathi application is best described as:
A. Mandatory and centrally controlled
B. Subscription-based commercial service
C. Voluntary and consent-driven
D. Automated background monitoring system

4.Which of the following best explains the need for Sanchar Saathi?
A. Declining telecom penetration
B. Rising cyber fraud and identity misuse
C. Shortage of telecom infrastructure
D. Increasing handset imports

5.Activation of the Sanchar Saathi application occurs:
A. Automatically on device startup
B. After verification by service providers
C. Only after user registration and consent
D. Through police authorisation

6.One major outcome of Sanchar Saathi has been:
A. Reduction in international roaming charges
B. Blocking of lost or stolen mobile devices
C. Expansion of broadband services
D. Increase in handset resale value

7.The Financial Fraud Risk Indicator primarily:
A. Calculates telecom revenue loss
B. Predicts handset lifespan
C. Classifies mobile numbers based on fraud risk
D. Tracks user spending behaviour

8.The Financial Fraud Risk Indicator assists mainly:
A. Device manufacturers
B. Telecom equipment vendors
C. Financial institutions and payment platforms
D. Internet service resellers

9.Which activity can users perform through Sanchar Saathi?
A. Upgrade mobile operating systems
B. Report suspicious calls and messages
C. Purchase insurance for devices
D. Change telecom tariff plans

10.The application helps users identify:
A. Network congestion zones
B. Unauthorised mobile connections in their name
C. International data tariffs
D. Signal strength variations

11.Reporting international calls disguised as domestic numbers helps address:
A. Spectrum allocation issues
B. Illegal telecom setups
C. Mobile manufacturing defects
D. Data speed limitations

12.Citizen participation in Sanchar Saathi mainly supports:
A. Market competition
B. Enforcement against fraudulent telecom activity
C. Reduction of handset prices
D. Network infrastructure expansion

13.Transparency in Sanchar Saathi is ensured through:
A. Automated alerts only
B. Periodic media briefings
C. Public dashboards displaying actions taken
D. Confidential internal audits

14.The data collection approach of Sanchar Saathi is characterised by:
A. Extensive profiling for analytics
B. Collection of maximum user data
C. Minimal data collection for legitimate purposes
D. Commercial sharing of user information

15.The broader significance of Sanchar Saathi lies in its ability to:
A. Replace telecom service providers
B. Centralise all digital services
C. Strengthen trust in digital communications
D. Promote smartphone exports