New Delhi, Dec. 1 -- To enhance telecom cyber security and protect citizens from fraudulent mobile handsets, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued directives on November 28, 2025.

These mandates require all mobile handsets manufactured or imported for use in India to have the Sanchar Saathi mobile application pre-installed, visible, and accessible upon first use.

Existing devices in sales channels must also receive this app through software updates. The initiative aims to curb misuse of telecom resources and allows users to verify the genuineness of devices via IMEI numbers, report fraud, and check the status of connections linked to them.

Compliance with these requirements must be completed within 90 days, followed by a re...