Have you recently noticed a caller's registered name popping up on your smartphone screen, even when you haven't saved their number? This is not a glitch but a significant new feature being deployed across India's telecom networks. Called Calling Name Presentation (CNAP), this service is designed to enhance transparency and combat the relentless menace of spam and fraudulent calls.
What is Calling Name Presentation (CNAP)?
Currently, your phone only displays the incoming number, known as Calling Line Identification (CLI). To identify who is calling, millions of Indians depend on third-party applications such as Truecaller or Bharat Caller ID & Anti-spam. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has now directed operators to implement a network-level solution. CNAP will automatically show the caller's name registered with the telecom service provider, making external apps less necessary for basic identification.
The pilot for this feature was launched in October 2025, with a full nationwide rollout targeted for completion by March 31, 2026. Once fully implemented, CNAP will be enabled by default for users. However, it is important to note that the service currently does not extend to landline users or individuals using basic feature phones on 2G networks.
Why TRAI is Pushing for CNAP
In a 2022 consultation paper, TRAI highlighted the existing ecosystem for caller identification. It noted that smartphone users utilize native tools like Apple's 'Silence Unknown Numbers' or the Google Phone app's 'Caller ID and spam' protection, alongside third-party apps. However, TRAI pointed out a key reliability issue: "the crowd-sourced name identity information may not be reliable, in many instances."
CNAP aims to provide a more authoritative and accurate alternative. Since the name is pulled directly from the customer's verified details submitted to the telecom operator at the time of connection, it reduces dependence on potentially incorrect user-generated data from apps.
How the New Caller ID System Works
The mechanism behind CNAP is straightforward. When you obtain a new mobile connection, you fill out a Customer Acquisition Form (CAF) with your personal details. CNAP uses this officially submitted information to display your name to the person you are calling. The feature operates at the network level, meaning it works seamlessly without requiring users to install any additional software.
This move by TRAI and telecom operators represents a major step towards improving user safety and restoring trust in voice calls. By making the caller's identity more transparent, it empowers users to make informed decisions about answering calls, potentially leading to a significant reduction in spam and scam call effectiveness across the country.
