Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launches several telecom initiatives to enhance connectivity and security in India. These include the Sanchar Saathi mobile app, National Broadband Mission 2.0, and intra circle roaming on DBN-funded 4G mobile sites. These initiatives aim to promote digital inclusion by providing citizens access to better telecom services.
National Broadband Mission 2.0
- An initiative to improve telecom access in India.
- Building on the success of NBM 1.0, launched in 2019 under the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018.
Under NBM 1.0
- The number of telecom towers increased to 17 lakh.
- The number of broadband subscribers reached 941 million.
Objective
- To accelerate the growth of digital infrastructure.
- Bridging the digital divide.
- Providing affordable broadband access to all.
Vision
- Optical Fibre Cable (OFC): Extend connectivity to 70 lakh villages by 2030 (currently around 50,000 villages). Ensuring 95% uptime.
- Broadband to Anchor Institutions: Broadband facility to 90% of anchor institutions (schools, primary health centres, Anganwadi centres, Panchayat offices) by 2030.
- Download Speed: Minimum fixed broadband download speed 100 Mbps.
- Development of 5G and 6G networks: Accelerated deployment of 5G networks and preparation for future 6G networks.
- Optical Ground Wire (OPGW): Use of OPGW from power sector to enhance connectivity during disasters, wars and emergencies.
New Sanchar Saathi Mobile App
- It is a user-friendly platform designed to strengthen telecom security and empower citizens. It provides users with important tools to secure their telecom resources and fight telecom fraud.
Key Features
- Chakshu – Reporting of Suspicious Fraudulent Communications (SFC): Users can report suspicious calls and SMS from the app or directly from their mobile phone logs.
- Mobile connection information issued in their name: Citizens can identify and manage all mobile connections issued in their name, thereby preventing unauthorized use.
- Blocking lost/stolen mobile handsets: Lost or stolen mobile devices can be quickly blocked, traced and recovered.
- Know the authenticity of mobile handsets: The app provides an easy way to verify the authenticity of mobile handsets, enabling users to purchase only genuine devices.
Intra Circle Roaming
- Under the ICR initiative, multiple telecom service providers can share infrastructure at 4G sites funded by DBN (Digital Bharat Network).
- The collaboration aims to boost connectivity in rural areas.
Key Features
- Partnership: Collaboration between service providers like BSNL, Airtel, and Reliance.
- Improved connectivity: Seamless 4G services in over 35,400 rural villages.
- Cost reduction: Sharing of infrastructure reduces capital expenditure for operators.