Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea Limited (Vi) are preparing to launch a new Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) service that will allow users to view the name of incoming callers without relying on third-party applications like Truecaller. The telcos are collaborating with technology firms such as HP, Dell, Ericsson, and Nokia to set up the required infrastructure, including servers and software.
CNAP is designed to improve caller identification by displaying the verified name linked to the caller’s Know Your Customer (KYC) details on the recipient’s phone screen. Unlike apps that use community-sourced data, this system will present authentic, official information.
The initiative was first proposed by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in February 2024 and will be introduced gradually. Its primary goal is to reduce unwanted and fraudulent calls, thereby improving overall user experience. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has also urged telecom companies to speed up the rollout of CNAP, which will require all incoming calls to show the caller’s registered name.
Despite its advantages, CNAP may not be compatible with older 2G networks due to technical constraints, the telcos have noted. Further, the move follows TRAI’s earlier recommendation from 2022, which encouraged both mandatory CNAP implementation and support from mobile handset manufacturers.
While the service is expected to enhance spam protection, experts have pointed out potential challenges, such as concerns around user privacy and possible hesitation from individuals who may not want their names publicly displayed.
