Calls from unknown numbers will now display the caller’s verified name on your mobile screen. This technology, called Calling Name Presentation (CNAP), is being implemented in a phased manner after receiving approval in October 2025.
Live testing has begun, and it is expected that this feature will be activated for every mobile user in the country by March or April 2026. This feature will not only identify the caller before you answer the phone but will also mark a new chapter in transparency and security in the telecom sector.
Why was CNAP needed
In the past few years, there has been a surge in cases of fake calls, telemarketing scams, and fraudulent calls posing as bank officials. The situation has become so serious that people are now afraid to even answer calls from unknown numbers, as fraudsters often manage to conceal their identities.
TRAI believes that when a call is received, the caller’s real and verified name will be displayed on the screen, enabling users to make better decisions about whether to answer the call or not. This will not only significantly reduce financial fraud cases but also restore the public’s lost trust in the telecom system.
KYC-Based Data
The unique feature of CNAP is its data source, which sets it apart from other caller ID systems in the world. This feature does not rely on third-party apps or randomly entered names by the user; instead, the caller’s name is extracted directly from the KYC-verified records of telecom companies.
This is the same information you provided when purchasing a SIM card, such as your Aadhaar card or other official documents. This means that the name displayed during the call will be legally associated with that number, and fraudsters will no longer be able to mislead you by changing their name.
Differences between CNAP and Truecaller
Truecaller is already very popular in India, but CNAP is set to be even more accurate and secure because of its completely different working method. Truecaller primarily relies on crowdsourcing, i.e., names saved by other users, leaving room for error or mischief.
In contrast, CNAP works entirely at the network level, without requiring you to install a separate app on your phone or grant privacy-related permissions. While anyone can change their name or create a fake ID on Truecaller, changing your name on CNAP is impossible because it is directly linked to your government ID.
Rollout Plan
Telecom companies began testing CNAP in select circles last month to assess network performance. Currently, the feature is being rolled out first to 4G and 5G users, and will later be made available on older networks. In addition, TRAI has clearly mandated all smartphone manufacturers to provide the necessary software updates to their devices within the next six months so that CNAP support can function properly on every handset. This means that all new phones will have this feature built in by the company itself.