Incoming Calls to Soon Show Caller’s Name: DoT Instructs Telecom Companies to Roll Out CNAP Feature

A major change is coming to the way Indians receive mobile calls. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed all major telecom operators — including Jio, Airtel, BSNL, and Vodafone-Idea — to roll out the Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) feature across their networks. This initiative aims to improve user safety, reduce spam and fraud calls, and promote greater transparency in the digital ecosystem.

What Is the CNAP Feature?

The Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) feature will allow mobile users to see not only the caller’s number but also their registered name whenever they receive a call. The name will be displayed directly on the phone screen through the telecom network itself — not through any third-party app.

Unlike private caller ID services such as Truecaller, CNAP will be fully managed by telecom operators under the guidance of DoT. This means the data will be sourced from verified subscriber records, ensuring better accuracy, privacy, and protection of users’ personal information.

Why Is DoT Introducing CNAP?

The rise in spam, phishing, and cyber fraud calls in India has become a growing concern for both consumers and the government. Every day, thousands of users receive fake calls posing as bank officials, delivery agents, or government representatives. These scams often lead to financial fraud and data theft.

DoT believes that revealing the caller’s name upfront will help users make informed decisions before picking up a call. It will also discourage fraudsters and spammers who rely on anonymity. By displaying the caller’s verified name, the feature aims to build trust and accountability in India’s telecom ecosystem.

Telecom Companies Begin Technical Integration

According to reports, DoT has already issued official instructions to telecom service providers to begin the technical integration of the CNAP system into their existing networks. Operators will use their subscriber databases — such as KYC (Know Your Customer) records — to ensure the caller name displayed is accurate and linked to legitimate user information.

Sources suggest the rollout will take place in phased stages over the next few months, starting with select regions and expanding nationwide later. Telecom experts say that while the implementation process will require significant technical adjustments, it will ultimately enhance customer safety and digital trust across India.

A Step Toward Safer Digital Communication

The CNAP feature represents a crucial milestone in India’s fight against spam and cybercrime. Currently, users rely heavily on apps like Truecaller, which collect caller information from contact lists — raising concerns over privacy and data misuse. In contrast, CNAP will operate within the telecom infrastructure, ensuring that user data remains secure and government-regulated.

Industry analysts also believe that CNAP could pave the way for new regulatory frameworks focused on digital identity verification and telecom data governance. With India’s smartphone penetration crossing 800 million users, such initiatives are essential for maintaining trust in the nation’s rapidly expanding digital landscape.

When Will It Roll Out?

Although DoT has not announced an official launch date, sources indicate that the caller name display feature could become available to users in early 2026 after testing and operator-level refinements. Once launched, it is expected to become a default feature across all mobile networks in the country.

With CNAP, India is taking a strong step toward transparent, secure, and user-friendly mobile communication — giving citizens the power to know who’s calling before they answer.