Context: Recently, the Ministry of Communications unveiled NBM 2.0 and Sanchar Saathi Mobile App have been launched to enhance telecom accessibility, security, and empowerment across India. 

About National Broadband Mission 2.0

• Build on the success of NBM 1.0. 

• NBM 1.0 was launched in 2019 as a part of the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018. 

• Under NBM 1.0, telecom towers increased up to 8.17 lakh and broadband subscribers up to 941 million.

• Objective: Aims to accelerate digital infrastructure growth, bridge the digital divide, and provide affordable broadband access to all.

• It envisions to 

• Extend Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) connectivity to 2.70 lakh villages by 2030, with 95% uptime, up from around 50,000 villages.

• Provide broadband to 90% of anchor institutions (schools, PHCs, Anganwadi Centers, Panchayat offices) by 2030.

• Achieve a minimum fixed broadband download speed of 100 Mbps.

• Facilitate the rollout of 5G networks and prepare for future 6G networks.

• Leveraging Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) from the power sector to boost connectivity, especially during disasters, wars, and emergencies.

Sanchar Saathi Mobile App

• It provides users with critical tools to secure their telecom resources and combat telecom frauds.

• Key features include:

• Chakshu - Reporting Suspected Fraud Communications (SFC)

• Know Mobile Connections in Your Name, etc.