In a major push to combat pervasive spam and fraudulent calls, the Union government is on track to launch one of the world’s most significant verified caller ID systems. The government-backed initiative, Calling Name Presentation (CNAP), aims to ensure that by March 2026, your smart mobile phone displays the caller’s authentic, registered name, not just their number, on nearly every incoming call. The CNAP launch will mark a significant step towards curbing spam calls.
How will the CNAP feature work?
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed telecom service providers like Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) to begin roll out of the CNAP service across all telecom circles by March 2026.
- Verified data source: CNAP will leverage the official Know Your Customer (KYC) data provided by customers (users) during the SIM registration process. Telecom operators will maintain a secure database linking the customer’s registered name with their phone number.
- Network-level integration: Unlike third-party apps, CNAP is a network-level feature. When a call comes in, the operator queries the database to retrieve the caller’s verified name and displays it to the receiver. This integration ensures a more reliable caller identification system.
- Default with Opt-Out: CNAP will become a default service for all mobile users. To balance security with user privacy, mobile subscribers can choose to opt out if they prefer not to have their name displayed during outgoing calls.
CNAP vs Truecaller: The key difference
In the CNAP vs Truecaller contest, CNAP is poised to be a game-changer compared to existing solutions like Truecaller.
| Feature | CNAP (Calling Name Presentation) | Truecaller (Third-Party App) |
| Data Source | Government-verified KYC documents and customer application forms. | Crowdsourced information from users’ contact lists. |
| Accuracy | Integrated into the telecom network; it works by default. | Varies. Can be inaccurate, misleading, or show informal names. |
| Accessibility | Integrated into the telecom network, it works by default. | Requires users to download and install an app. |
| Core Function | An official measure by TRAI/DoT to curb spam and fraudulent calls. | A private caller ID and spam-blocking application. |
The move directly addresses the problem of fraudulent activity. At its peak, India grapples with up to 15 million spoofed calls daily. By showing the actual name used while purchasing the SIM card, CNAP aims to significantly reduce fake identities and scam attempts, enhancing transparency and security.
Initial rollout and technical limitations
While the nationwide rollout is targeted for March 2026, the implementation will be phased:
- Initial compatibility: The feature will initially apply to 5G devices and compatible 4G smartphones.
- Legacy networks: Older circuit-switched networks, including legacy 2G and 3G, will be included only after the telecom department and operators conduct further technical feasibility studies.
- Interoperability tests: Telecom operators, including Jio, Airtel, and Vi, must conduct rigorous interoperability tests to ensure that calls originating from one network correctly display the caller’s verified identification on another network.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) initially proposed the CNAP feature earlier this year. With the deadline for the full-scale CNAP roll out officially communicated to the telecom companies, the amendment of telecom license conditions is also underway to ensure that all new devices sold in the country support CNAP functionality.
Also read the complete TRAI’s recommendations on CNAP here
