The digital landscape of India is evolving rapidly, and with it comes a significant new directive from the Government of India: every new smartphone sold in the country must now come pre-installed with the Sanchar Saathi mobile application.
This announcement has created major discussions in the technology, telecom, and business sectors — including here in Odisha’s fast-developing district of Jajpur, where digital adoption and smartphone usage are at an all-time high.
In this blog, Jajpur Business explores what this decision means for consumers, businesses, and smartphone manufacturers.
📌 What Is the Sanchar Saathi App?
Sanchar Saathi is a citizen-centric telecom safety platform developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
It is designed to protect smartphone users from fraud, mobile theft, and unauthorized SIM misuse.
Key Features:
- IMEI Verification: Confirms whether a device is original or cloned.
- Block Stolen Phones: Users can report and block lost or stolen devices through CEIR.
- Check Unauthorized SIMs: TAFCOP helps citizens check how many SIMs are issued in their name.
- Fraud/Spam Reporting: Allows quick reporting of suspicious calls and messages.
- Device Tracking & Safety Tools: Ensures transparency and digital protection.
For residents and business owners in Jajpur, where mobile-based financial and business activities have grown sharply, this app can significantly enhance security.
📢 Government Mandate: What Has Been Announced?
The Government of India has made the following compulsory:
- Every new smartphone — whether manufactured locally or imported — must have Sanchar Saathi pre-installed.
- Smartphone brands have 90 days to comply.
- The app must be visible during device setup and cannot be hidden.
- Old stock in retail stores may receive the app via software update.
This directive affects all major smartphone brands, from Samsung and Apple to Xiaomi, Realme, Vivo, Oppo, Lava, and more.
💡 Why This Move Matters for Jajpur’s Growing Digital Economy
Jajpur district has seen massive digital progress over the last decade:
- Rising smartphone penetration
- Growing small & medium businesses (SMEs)
- Higher mobile-based payments
- Increased online shopping and banking
- Boost in rural digital literacy
With more people using smartphones for financial, agricultural, and business-related tasks, digital security becomes crucial.
Sanchar Saathi will help:
✔ Protect business owners from mobile fraud
IMEI verification ensures traders and shopkeepers are not sold fake or cloned devices.
✔ Secure mobile banking and UPI transactions
If a device is lost, it can be blocked immediately — preventing financial misuse.
✔ Safeguard identity documents
TAFCOP prevents criminals from taking SIM cards using someone else’s ID — a common fraud in rural areas.
✔ Encourage safer digital adoption
More people will feel confident using technology for business and communication.
⚠️ Concerns Raised by Industry Experts
While the intention behind the mandate is positive, there are ongoing debates:
1. Privacy Worries
Some consumers fear that pre-installed government apps may compromise personal data.
2. Reduced User Control
Users prefer freedom in choosing what apps stay on their device.
3. Burden on Smartphone Manufacturers
Brands must quickly integrate the app into their systems, which increases workload and cost.
4. Confusion About App Removal
Whether the app can be uninstalled or not remains unclear to many users.
Despite these concerns, digital safety advocates believe the mandate is a strong step toward a safer telecom ecosystem.
📱 What Jajpur Consumers Should Know
If you buy a new smartphone in Jajpur:
- The Sanchar Saathi app will already be installed.
- You can use it to check IMEI, block lost phones, and monitor SIM cards in your name.
- It will strengthen your safety if you run a business or frequently use UPI.
This is part of India’s larger digital vision, ensuring that every smartphone user — from urban centers to rural markets — gets built-in protection.