A major change is coming regarding mobile calls. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed telecom companies to implement the ‘Calling Name Presentation’ (CNAP) service in the country, effective from November 1, 2026. With this, the name of the caller will be displayed alongside their phone number when a call is received. According to a circular issued by the Department on October 13, this service is to be implemented across all service areas.
Under the CNAP system, two pieces of information will appear on the mobile screen of the person receiving the call: the caller’s mobile number and the name associated with that number. If the caller’s number is saved in your phone’s contact list, the saved name will be displayed. However, if the number is not saved, the name registered in the telecom operator’s customer records will be shown for domestic calls. In the case of international calls, the unknown number will be accompanied by the label “International Call.”
According to the Department of Telecommunications’ directive, customers do not need to submit a separate application or take any action to activate this service; telecom companies will make it available to their subscribers. The initial directive specifies that this service is to be implemented on 4G and more advanced wireless networks. A separate decision may be taken later regarding 2G, 3G, and landline networks.
The primary objective of the CNAP service is to help subscribers identify calls from unknown numbers and decide whether or not to answer them. This can make it easier to detect spam and fraudulent calls. However, one should not assume that a call is trustworthy simply because a name is displayed. Therefore, it is essential to exercise caution when sharing personal information, OTPs, or bank-related details during calls from unknown numbers. For customers who have opted for the Calling Line Identification Restriction (CLIR) service in accordance with prescribed rules, the caller’s name will not be displayed. Additionally, companies and organizations with commercial or bulk connections may, upon verification, be permitted to display their registered trademark or the business name as recorded on the GST portal.
Telecom companies will be responsible for implementing this system, as well as for receiving complaints regarding the display of incorrect names and resolving them within a stipulated timeframe.
