TRAI and DoT to roll out default Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) across India, aiming to curb spam, fraud, and telemarketing calls by revealing verified caller identities.

Introduction: A New Era for Call Transparency

In a move that could redefine how Indians handle incoming calls, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) have aligned to enable Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) as a default service across India’s telecom networks. This initiative aims to display the real name of the caller — as registered with the telecom operator — directly on the recipient’s phone screen, a step that could drastically reduce spam, scam, and fraudulent calls nationwide.

Context & Background

India, home to over 114 crore wireless subscribers, stands as the world’s second-largest telecommunications market. Over the past two decades, rapid digitization, affordable data, and smartphone penetration have revolutionized connectivity. Yet, this growth has also triggered a parallel menace — incessant robocalls, unsolicited telemarketing, and fraud attempts that exploit the lack of verified caller identification.

Currently, telecom providers offer Calling Line Identification Presentation (CLIP), which only shows a caller’s number, not their verified name. While phone users rely on contact lists or third-party apps like Truecaller for caller identity, these measures have limitations concerning privacy, accuracy, and data security. Recognizing this gap, DoT requested TRAI in March 2022 to explore a regulatory pathway for introducing CNAP services within the Indian telecommunication network.

After a comprehensive round of public consultation and industry assessment, TRAI submitted its formal recommendations in February 2024, solidifying the technical and legal framework for CNAP deployment.

Main Developments

Following feedback from stakeholders, the DoT sought a key modification: the CNAP service would be enabled by default for all subscribers. Those who prefer not to use it could later opt out through an official deactivation process.

Both TRAI and DoT agreed that CNAP should initially roll out for 4G and advanced networks, citing technical challenges in implementing it across legacy 2G and 3G infrastructures due to bandwidth limitations.

Under the proposed system, when a call is initiated, the recipient will automatically see the verified name linked to the caller’s SIM registration, not merely the number. This authentic name presentation could help millions of users make safer and more informed decisions about answering calls.

A senior TRAI official noted, “CNAP is designed to enhance trust between telecom users by making communication more transparent. It’s no longer enough to know a number — you must know who is behind it.”

Expert Insight and Public Reaction

Telecom industry experts view CNAP as a timely response to India’s spam epidemic. According to a 2024 industry estimate, the average Indian smartphone user receives over 17 unwanted calls a day — many of which skirt around Do Not Disturb (DND) regulations.

Cybersecurity analysts point out that name transparency will be a significant deterrent against fraud. “Fraudsters thrive on anonymity,” said cybersecurity consultant Meera Bhatia. “Once identities are verified and shown by default, the risk of impersonation and social engineering scams drastically reduces.”

On the other hand, privacy advocates urge caution. Civil digital rights groups argue that while authentication is essential, the protection of user identity data must remain robust. “Caller verification should not come at the cost of privacy,” warned the Internet Freedom Foundation in a recent statement, emphasizing the need for strict data-sharing protocols and user consent safeguards.

Consumers, however, have largely welcomed the concept. Many social media discussions have praised TRAI and DoT for taking an assertive stance against spam, describing CNAP as “India’s official answer to Truecaller.”

Impact and Implications

The introduction of CNAP could mark a significant policy shift in India’s digital communication framework. Once operational, the service is expected to bring measurable benefits:

• Enhanced security for consumers: Verified name display will help users distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent calls.

• Reduced dependence on third-party caller ID apps: Consumers may no longer need to rely on private databases that collect personal information.

• Increased accountability for telemarketers: With names visible by default, unregistered sellers and spammers will find it harder to hide behind random numbers.

• Improved regulatory transparency: CNAP aligns with India’s larger digital governance initiatives, including data protection and anti-fraud frameworks under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (2023).

Nevertheless, implementation challenges persist. Operators must upgrade backend systems, verify subscriber data accuracy, and educate users regarding opt-out options. Smaller telecom networks, particularly rural service providers, might require financial or infrastructural support to meet CNAP integration requirements.

According to analysts, the phased rollout could begin within the next 12 to 18 months once the DoT finalizes operational guidelines and standardizes interoperability across networks.

Conclusion: Restoring Trust in Every Ring

The rollout of CNAP represents more than a technical feature; it reflects a fundamental shift toward building a safer and more trustworthy digital communications ecosystem in India. As spam calls, fraud attempts, and digital scams evolve, empowering consumers with verified, government-regulated caller identification can restore credibility to one of the most-used features of modern life — the phone call.

If successfully implemented, this initiative could set a global benchmark for telecom governance and user protection, making every incoming call a little more transparent and a lot more secure.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and journalistic purposes only. All publicly available data referenced belongs to TRAI, DoT, and industry experts cited for context. Readers are advised to verify specific regulatory updates through official government releases.