DoT Mandates Sanchar Saathi Pre-Installation on All New Phones
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has ordered all new mobile phones sold in India to come with the Sanchar Saathi fraud-reporting app pre-installed, setting the stage for a potential clash with major handset manufacturers. Companies have 90 days to comply, marking the first time the government has mandated a specific consumer app across the entire device ecosystem.
Key Takeaways
- Mandatory Pre-installation: All new phones, domestic or imported, must have Sanchar Saathi app pre-loaded within 90 days.
- Retroactive Update: Millions of devices already in the supply chain must get the app via software updates.
- Strict Compliance: Manufacturers must file adherence reports within 120 days, with non-compliance risking action under new telecom laws.
- Industry Pushback: Handset makers call the mandate an avoidable burden that compromises consumer choice.
Industry Voices Strong Opposition
Major smartphone brands, including Apple, Samsung, and Chinese manufacturers, are expected to oppose the directive. Industry representatives told that the mandate creates an unnecessary burden for a sector already facing compliance pressures and rising costs.
“Compelling manufacturers to pre-install a government-backed app effectively turns them into enforcement agents,” said one representative. Executives argued that policy goals could be better achieved through user awareness campaigns, and that trust in the app would grow more organically through outreach rather than forced installation.
What the DoT Order Says
The November 28 order is unequivocal:
- Every new phone must ship with Sanchar Saathi present and fully functional; disabling it is not an option.
- The app must be clearly visible during the device’s initial setup process.
- For devices already produced and in the distribution chain, manufacturers must roll out over-the-air (OTA) software updates to add the app retroactively.
- Companies must file a compliance report with the DoT within 120 days.
The order warns of action under the Telecommunications Act 2023 and Telecom Cyber Security Rules 2024 for non-compliance.
Sanchar Saathi: A Tool Against Telecom Fraud
The government positions Sanchar Saathi as a critical consumer protection tool. Its features include:
- Verifying IMEI number authenticity.
- Identifying suspected SIM or device misuse.
- Reporting lost or stolen handsets.
- Flagging fraudulent calls and cyber scams directly to law enforcement.
Tampering with a phone’s 15-digit IMEI is a non-bailable offence, punishable by up to three years in prison and fines of up to ₹50 lakh. The push for universal app adoption is part of a broader government crackdown on rising telecom fraud and identity theft.
Broader Regulatory Crackdown
This mandate follows recent DoT directions for messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. Those rules require constant linkage to a user’s active SIM and mandate that web versions log users out every six hours for re-authentication. Messaging platforms also have a 120-day compliance deadline.
The twin orders signal a significant tightening of India’s digital communication and device security framework, placing new operational burdens on both handset makers and app developers.
