Summary:
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) are nearing a final agreement on rolling out the Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) service– a system that will display the caller’s name along with their phone number on the mobile screen. The move aims to improve caller transparency, reduce spam and fraud calls and strengthen user confidence in mobile communication across India.
In a major development for telecom users, TRAI and DoT have reached a broad consensus on the implementation of the CNAP service, which will soon allow subscribers to see the caller’s name by default while receiving a call. Users will still have the option to turn it off, ensuring both transparency and privacy controls.
The CNAP service is to be rolled out in phases starting with 4G and 5G networks and then expanded to 2G systems once the necessary technical infrastructure is in place. A phased rollout ensures smooth integration into India’s diverse telecom ecosystem.
#TRAI has issued its response to DoT’s back-reference on the proposal to display the caller’s name on phone screens—even if the number isn’t saved. This feature, called Calling Name Presentation (#CNAP), aims to improve caller ID.
— TRAI (@TRAI) October 28, 2025
Read more: https://t.co/n1fNpdAzCz#DigitalIndia pic.twitter.com/y8HGGTbkTD
Key Highlights of the CNAP Rollout
- Default Setting, Yet Optional: TRAI has recommended that CNAP be automatically activated for all subscribers, while giving users the option to disable it at any time— aligning with global telecom standards where CNAP is considered a supplementary service.
- Spam and Fraud Prevention: CNAP will act as an effective anti-spam and anti-fraud mechanism, helping users identify unknown or suspicious numbers before responding. This is especially crucial in India’s telecom landscape, where spam/scam calls are a growing concern.
- Secure Name Databases: Telecom operators will be required to maintain secure and verified subscriber databases that link names to phone numbers. This ensures that displayed caller information remains authentic and protected against misuse.
- Privacy Safeguards: Subscribers who have chosen to hide their caller identity will not be included in the CNAP system, preserving individual privacy rights.
Why CNAP Matters for Indian Telecom Users
The introduction of CNAP is an important step towards cleaner, more reliable mobile communication in India. As Truecaller or similar applications provide caller identification, CNAP will integrate this function locally at the network level, providing greater accuracy and security.
By reducing the reach of spammers and fraud actors, the CNAP framework will not only protect consumers but also increase the reliability of India’s telecom ecosystem.
