**Executive Summary**
On the occasion of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (17 May), the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) Mumbai LSA highlighted initiatives focused on telecom resilience, cyber security, and digital inclusion. Key updates include the implementation of the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024, in Maharashtra as of January 1, 2025, and the deployment of AI-driven fraud detection systems. The report details significant progress in rural connectivity and the freezing of 59 lakh suspicious bank accounts to prevent cyber fraud losses.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Regulatory and Operational Framework**
* Implementation of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024, to strengthen the legal framework.
* Streamlining of telecom infrastructure rollout through the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024, via a centralized portal for towers and fiber.
* Maintenance of 99.999% network uptime through system redundancy and regular security audits.
* Utilization of AI-driven systems for network security, governance, and fraud detection.
**Cyber Security and Fraud Crackdown**
* Launch of the Sanchar Saathi platform, recording 1.7 crore app downloads and enabling citizens to block lost phones or report fraud.
* Disconnection of 3.4 crore suspicious mobile numbers and deactivation of over 16.97 lakh WhatsApp accounts linked to fraud.
* Freezing of 59 lakh suspicious bank accounts through the Digital Intelligence Platform, preventing losses exceeding ₹1,000 crore.
* Blocking or tracing of nearly 10 lakh handsets worth more than ₹1,250 crore.
**Infrastructure and Innovation**
* Expansion of connectivity to over 2,600 rural locations previously uncovered by telecom services.
* Deployment of solar panels on new mobile network towers to promote sustainable and energy-efficient infrastructure.
* Establishment of over 100 5G laboratories in engineering colleges to encourage research, innovation, and skill development.
**Public Awareness**
* Empanelment of engineering college students to spread awareness regarding mobile towers and radiation concerns.
**Impact Analysis**
**Citizens**
**Impact**
Increased protection against financial loss from cyber fraud and improved access to digital services in rural areas.
**Action Required**
Use the Sanchar Saathi platform to report fraudulent activity and block lost or stolen mobile devices.
**Telecom Infrastructure Providers**
**Impact**
Benefit from a streamlined, centralized portal for infrastructure rollout and a requirement for higher energy efficiency.
**Action Required**
Utilize the centralized Right of Way portal for tower and fiber deployment and integrate solar panels into new tower installations.
**Engineering Colleges and Students**
**Impact**
Access to advanced 5G laboratory facilities and opportunities for government empanelment.
**Action Required**
Engage in research and skill development within the provided 5G labs and participate in radiation awareness programs.
**Financial Institutions and Law Enforcement**
**Impact**
Improved coordination through the Digital Intelligence Platform to identify and freeze fraudulent accounts.
**Action Required**
Continue collaborating with telecom authorities via the Digital Intelligence Platform to curb cyber crime.
Key Entities Referenced
Telecommunications Act, 2023: The primary legislation providing the legal framework for India's digital governance, fraud detection, and network security.
Sanchar Saathi: A citizen-centric platform used to block lost mobile phones, report fraud, and track suspicious handsets and mobile numbers.
Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024: Regulations governing the use of AI-driven systems for network security and the prevention of cyber-related telecom frauds.
Digital Intelligence Platform: A coordination system connecting banks and law enforcement agencies to identify and freeze suspicious accounts used in cybercrime.
Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024: Rules implemented in Maharashtra to streamline telecom infrastructure rollout, such as towers and fibre, via a centralized portal.
Ministry of Communications
DoT Mumbai LSA Highlights Telecom Security
and Digital Inclusion Initiatives
Sanchar Saathi, Fraud Crackdown, and Rural Connectivity
Expansion Lead India’s Telecom Resilience Push
Posted On: 15 MAY 2026 6:23PM by PIB Mumbai
: Mumbai, May 15, 2026
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Mumbai LSA, on the occasion of
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (17 May), highlighted major
initiatives focused on telecom resilience, cyber security, and digital inclusion, while
emphasising the growing role of secure digital communication in India’s
development.
Addressing the press conference, Ajay Kamal, DDG (Administration), Mumbai LSA,
said the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber
Security) Rules, 2024 have strengthened India’s digital and legal framework, with
AI-driven systems increasingly used for governance, fraud detection, and network
security, while the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024, implemented in
Maharashtra from January 1, 2025, have streamlined telecom infrastructure rollout
via a centralised portal for towers and fibre, and the Department maintains 99.999
per cent network uptime through redundancy and regular security audits.
Ashish Pathak, Additional DG (Telecom), Mumbai LSA, speaking on the theme
“Digital Lifeline: Strengthening Resilience,” said telecommunications has become an
essential part of modern life. “The Government of Maharashtra, in coordination with
telecom authorities, is actively implementing measures to curb cyber crime and
strengthen digital safety,” he said.Officials stated that over ₹52,000 crore has been lost to cyber frauds in India over
the last five years. The Sanchar Saathi platform, which has recorded over 1.7 crore
app downloads and 23 crore portal visits, enables citizens to block lost mobile
phones and report fraud. Nearly 10 lakh handsets worth more than ₹1,250 crore
have been blocked or traced so far.
DoT has also disconnected 3.4 crore suspicious mobile numbers, blocked 2.27 lakh
fraudulent handsets, and deactivated over 16.97 lakh WhatsApp accounts linked to
cyber fraud. Through the Digital Intelligence Platform, connecting over 1,200
organisations including banks and law enforcement agencies, more than 59 lakh
suspicious bank accounts have been frozen, preventing losses exceeding ₹1,000
crore.Pathak further informed that engineering college students have been empanelled to
spread awareness regarding mobile towers and radiation concerns. Pathak also
informed that new mobile network towers are increasingly being equipped with solar
panels to promote sustainable and energy efficient telecom infrastructure. He
further stated that the Department has introduced over 100 5G laboratories in
engineering colleges across the country to encourage innovation, research, and skill
development in next generation communication technologies. He added that over
2,600 rural locations across the country have been connected with new telecom
towers to improve connectivity in previously uncovered areas. The press conference
concluded with an interactive question and answer session, during which officials
addressed queries from the media on various aspects of telecom security, digital
inclusion, and ongoing government initiatives.
***
PIB Mumbai | Robin Singh/Parshuram Kor
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