The decision follows concerns raised by the mobile phone industry regarding technical feasibility and user choice, shifting the focus to voluntary promotion.
New Delhi – The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has withdrawn its directive that made it mandatory for mobile phone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi application on all new smartphones sold in India. The move marks a significant policy reversal after industry bodies raised substantial concerns about the rule's feasibility and its impact on consumer choice.
The Sanchar Saathi portal, launched in May 2023, is a citizen-centric initiative by the government aimed at enhancing mobile security. It empowers users to block and trace lost or stolen mobile phones, check the authenticity of a device before purchase, and view and manage all mobile connections registered in their name. To boost its adoption, the government had initially mandated its pre-installation on devices, a move intended to make these security features readily accessible to every user from the moment they unbox their new phone.
However, the directive was met with strong opposition from the mobile manufacturing industry, led by the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), which represents major players like Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi. The ICEA argued that the mandate posed significant technical and logistical challenges. They highlighted that forcing a single app into the complex, globally integrated software and supply chain ecosystem would be disruptive and time-consuming. Manufacturers pointed out that such a country-specific requirement would complicate production lines and could delay the launch of new models in the Indian market.
Furthermore, the industry raised valid points about user freedom and the issue of 'bloatware'. Forcing the app on every device, they contended, would limit a consumer's right to choose the applications they want on their personal devices. Pre-installing apps that a user might not need or want contributes to unnecessary clutter and consumes valuable storage space.
Acknowledging the feedback, the government has now opted for a more collaborative approach. Instead of a mandate, the DoT will work with manufacturers and industry stakeholders to promote the Sanchar Saathi app and encourage voluntary downloads. The new strategy will likely involve awareness campaigns, placing QR codes on smartphone packaging that link to the app, and making it easily discoverable on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
For consumers, this decision means they retain control over their device's software. They can still access the full suite of powerful features offered by Sanchar Saathi by simply downloading the application at their convenience. The core services of the portal remain fully functional, ensuring that the goal of enhancing citizen safety and curbing mobile phone theft is still actively pursued, albeit through promotion rather than compulsion.
This policy shift underscores a balanced approach, where the government's objective of national security and consumer protection is pursued in harmony with industry feasibility and the fundamental principles of user choice in a competitive digital market.