The Indian government initially mandated that all mobile phones sold within the country include its Sanchar​ saathi application within a 90-day timeframe. This directive,⁤ intended to combat fraud and enhance security, faced meaningful resistance from the mobile ‍phone‍ industry.

Notably, Apple publicly stated its unwillingness to comply with the requirement. This‌ opposition, alongside concerns from other manufacturers regarding user privacy and logistical challenges, ‌appears to have prompted​ a reversal in policy.

On December 4, 2023, the Indian ⁢Ministry of Communications issued a statement announcing that pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app would no ​longer be compulsory for mobile phone manufacturers.The Ministry cited growing user adoption of the app⁣ as a key factor in its decision.

This shift represents a notable concession by the​ government,acknowledging the practical and⁣ potentially ⁢competitive difficulties imposed by the original mandate. While the Sanchar Saathi app will remain available for voluntary download and use, the attempt ⁤to enforce worldwide pre-installation has been ⁢abandoned.