The DoT mandates pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on all mobile handsets to boost telecom cyber security, curb IMEI fraud, protect users from non-genuine devices, and enhance reporting of cyber fraud through mandatory compliance within 90 days.
In a sweeping regulatory move aimed at strengthening telecom cyber security and protecting millions of mobile users across India, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued binding directions requiring all manufacturers and importers of mobile handsets to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi mobile application on devices manufactured or sold in the country. The directive, issued under the Telecom Cyber Security (TCS) provisions, is intended to curb the purchase and circulation of non-genuine devices, prevent misuse of telecom resources, and support faster reporting of fraudulent activities.
The order mandates that every new mobile handset—whether manufactured locally or imported—must come with the Sanchar Saathi app pre-installed. Manufacturers are also required to ensure the app is clearly visible and easily accessible to users during the device’s initial setup. Further, the application’s core functions cannot be disabled, restricted, or buried within complex interface layers. This represents a major shift in India’s approach to consumer protection and digital safety, positioning the Sanchar Saathi platform as a frontline defense tool against mobile-related cyber fraud.
For devices that have already been produced and are currently in sales channels across India, the DoT has directed manufacturers and importers to attempt to push the Sanchar Saathi app through software or firmware updates. The implementation window has been strictly defined: companies must ensure full compliance within 90 days, while progress reports must be submitted within 120 days. Any delays or non-compliance could attract regulatory scrutiny under the existing telecommunications laws.
The Sanchar Saathi initiative has emerged as one of India’s most ambitious digital safety programs. The platform—available both as a website portal and as a mobile application—allows citizens to verify the authenticity of mobile handsets by checking their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers. The interface also enables users to report suspected fraud communications, lost or stolen devices, and unauthorized mobile connections issued in their name. In addition, the app provides updated trusted contact details of banks and financial institutions, helping users avoid scam calls or spoofed communication.
According to the DoT, the TCS Rules empower the Central Government to direct the manufacturers of telecommunication equipment—particularly those associated with IMEI identifiers—to provide technical assistance in cases involving tampered devices. These rules also impose a legal obligation on manufacturers and importers to comply fully with any instructions issued to ensure the integrity and security of telecom networks.
The need for such measures has grown rapidly with the rise of duplicate, spoofed, or tampered IMEI numbers circulating in India’s telecom ecosystem. Experts warn that devices with spoofed IMEI numbers can create serious security risks because the same IMEI may appear simultaneously on multiple devices operating in different locations. This undermines the traceability of criminal activity and significantly complicates law-enforcement investigations.
India’s large and rapidly expanding second-hand mobile market has further increased the risks associated with fraudulent devices. Numerous cases have surfaced where stolen, blacklisted, or tampered devices are resold to unsuspecting customers. Not only do such devices compromise telecom security, but they also expose the buyer to legal complications, as the purchaser may unknowingly become an accessory to criminal activity. The Sanchar Saathi app, however, allows users to check whether an IMEI has been blacklisted or flagged before making a purchase, reducing the risk of financial loss or legal exposure.
Officials note that the app’s widespread availability—once pre-installation becomes universal—will empower users to verify device authenticity instantly, report cyber fraud more quickly, and help authorities track suspicious activity on telecom networks. This aligns with India’s broader digital-security policy aimed at safeguarding citizens and telecom infrastructure against rapidly evolving cyber threats.
By mandating the pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi across all mobile devices, the DoT intends to make digital safety tools universally accessible while strengthening the country’s defense against cyber-enabled telecom fraud.
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With the compliance deadline approaching, the telecom manufacturing ecosystem is expected to accelerate coordination with the government to integrate the app swiftly and seamlessly into their device software.
