In a significant move to enhance mobile communication security and transparency, India's major telecom operators including Jio, Airtel, Vi, and BSNL have launched the Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) initiative. This new feature is designed to display the caller's name along with the phone number for incoming calls, even if the number is not saved in the recipient's contacts.
Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) is a telecom service that shows the verified name of the caller on the recipient's phone screen. Unlike traditional caller ID, which only displays the incoming number unless saved in contacts, CNAP provides an additional layer of information by showing the caller's registered name fetched directly from telecom operators' verified databases.
With the rise of spam, scam, and impersonation calls, many mobile users have become wary of answering calls from unknown numbers. CNAP aims to restore trust in voice communication by:
CNAP operates by matching the incoming phone number with the caller's name stored in the telecom operators’ KYC-verified records. This network-level caller identification system ensures that the displayed caller name is authentic and reduces the risk of impersonation, unlike third-party apps that rely on crowdsourced data.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) approved the CNAP framework in October 2025, and the rollout began shortly after. By early 2026, most mobile users across India are expected to see verified caller names with every incoming call.
This initiative marks a major step forward in combating phone-based fraud and improving user confidence in mobile communication. It also sets a precedent for how telecom data is governed and used to protect consumers.
The introduction of CNAP in India is a welcome development for mobile users who face daily challenges from spam and scam calls. By providing verified caller information, CNAP empowers users to make informed decisions about answering calls, thereby enhancing security and trust in the telecom ecosystem.
As this feature becomes widely available, it promises to transform the way Indians interact over the phone, making every call a little safer and more transparent.