Your next call could show the caller’s real name: Here’s why

The Indian Government is set to introduce a new telecom feature that will display verified caller names during incoming calls.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has approved a key initiative proposed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to display the caller’s name during incoming calls. The new feature, known as Calling Name Presentation (CNAP), will show the verified name of the caller on the recipient’s phone screen.

Caller Identification to Become Default Feature

TRAI and DoT have approved a new feature to display verified caller names during incoming calls. (Pexels)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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As per the guidelines, the CNAP feature will be activated by default for all mobile users across India. Subscribers who prefer not to use this feature can request their telecom service provider (TSP) to disable it. Unlike third-party apps such as Truecaller, this feature will operate within the telecom network and will use verified subscriber data collected during SIM registration.

Once the feature is introduced, it will allow users to identify the name of the calling party before answering the call. TRAI expects that the measure will help subscribers make better decisions about whether to receive or reject calls, while also reducing the number of spam and fraudulent calls.

System and Database Setup

TRAI has directed telecom service providers to maintain a Calling Name (CNAM) database containing the names of all registered users linked with their respective phone numbers. When an incoming call is made, the terminating service provider will verify the calling number through the Local Number Portability Database (LNPD) to identify the originating service provider. The caller’s verified name will then be displayed on the receiver’s device.

Currently, Indian telecom networks display only phone numbers through Calling Line Identification (CLI), with no requirement to provide the caller’s name. The introduction of CNAP will add an extra layer of information to this system and bring transparency to voice communication.

Trials and Technical Testing

TRAI stated that CNAP will be introduced as a supplementary service linked with basic telecom services, rather than as a standalone feature. The regulatory authority expects telecom operators to ensure smooth integration and maintain data security for subscribers’ information once the service becomes operational nationwide.