India is set to introduce a new verified caller identification system that functions independently of third-party apps like Truecaller. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has given the green light to the Department of Telecommunications’ (DoT) Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) framework, which will exhibit the registered name of callers directly on users’ mobile devices. TRAI and DoT have both confirmed this initiative, which aims to enhance transparency and security in phone communications for millions of subscribers nationwide.
Unlike current caller ID displays that only exhibit the phone number, CNAP will retrieve the verified name from official telecom records, allowing users to identify the caller before answering. This enhancement is expected to build trust and assist users in avoiding unwanted or fraudulent calls. TRAI states that the feature will be automatically activated for all users, but individuals can choose to opt out by contacting their telecom operator if they wish to keep their name private.
The new CNAP system mandates all telecom operators to uphold a Calling Name (CNAM) database, associating each number with the verified name acquired during customer KYC (Know Your Customer) processes. When a call is made, the recipient’s service provider will fetch the caller’s registered name from this secure database and display it on the recipient’s screen. This streamlined process is designed to function rapidly, irrespective of whether the user owns a smartphone or a basic feature phone.
Before receiving approval, the Department of Telecommunications conducted extensive trials of CNAP in various Indian cities, focusing on both 4G and 5G networks. These trials uncovered technical challenges like outdated software patches and the necessity for specific network enhancements, but ultimately validated the system’s ability to accurately identify callers.
With backend integration currently in progress at major telecom operators, CNAP is on track to be integrated into regular mobile services, eliminating the necessity for standalone identification apps. While a specific launch date has not been disclosed, groundwork has commenced at the operator level to enable nationwide implementation soon.
If implemented across India’s extensive mobile subscriber base, CNAP could emerge as one of the largest official caller ID systems globally. By leveraging verified subscriber data from the KYC process, the system aims to provide higher accuracy than existing third-party solutions, thus reducing the prevalence of spam and scam calls encountered by mobile users.
Presently, most phones utilize Calling Line Identification (CLI) to display incoming numbers, offering no additional information about the caller. CNAP revolutionizes this approach by extracting the registered name from the operator’s database and displaying it in real time to call recipients. This network-embedded solution in India’s telecom infrastructure is deemed more dependable compared to app-dependent alternatives.
This development comes as India witnesses a surge in mobile usage and an increase in unsolicited calls. Through CNAP implementation, TRAI and DoT seek to empower users with more control and establish a secure mobile communication environment nationwide.