Government Withdraws Order Mandating Pre-Installation of Sanchar Saathi App

The Central Government has withdrawn its directive requiring the mandatory pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi mobile application in all new smartphones.

The direction for pre-installation of the app was issued invoking Rule 8(4) of the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024. In a press release issued by the PIB today, the Government said that it has decided not to make pre-installation mandatory due to the "increasing acceptance" of the app.

The decision follows industry consultations and concerns about device performance impacts, though the app remains available for voluntary download to help users track and block stolen devices.