The Indian government is gearing up to roll out a verified caller ID system across the nation by March 2026, a move poised to significantly curb spam calls and enhance trust in digital communication. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is spearheading this initiative, known as Calling Name Presentation (CNAP), which will display the verified name of incoming callers on phone screens.
The CNAP service will function as a government-backed caller ID system, drawing data from the official subscriber database of telecom companies, ensuring authenticity and verification. This is a major shift from the current practice where Indian telecom networks only show a number on receiving a call. Telecom operators will create and maintain a Calling Name (CNAM) database, mapping every subscriber's verified name with their phone number. When a call is received, the operator handling that call will cross-check this database and display the verified name of the caller on the recipient's device.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has aligned with the DoT on implementing CNAP as a default feature, with an option for users to opt out should they prefer not to use it. This decision marks a shift from TRAI's earlier proposal for an opt-in-only model, ensuring wider adoption across networks. Users who wish to opt out can contact their telecom service provider.
The DoT has directed telecom operators to begin pilot testing of the CNAP service within a week, with Vodafone Idea already initiating live trials in Haryana. Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel are also preparing for deployments, with pilots planned across northern circles. The telecom operators will also conduct interoperability tests to ensure that calls from one network correctly display the caller's identification on another network.
This initiative is particularly crucial considering the high volume of spam calls plaguing Indian mobile users. Surveys indicate that a significant percentage of Indians receive multiple spam calls daily, with many experiencing unwanted calls and messages despite having Do Not Disturb (DND) activated. The implementation of CNAP is expected to lead to fewer spam and fraudulent calls while also checking cybercrime activities like financial frauds and digital arrest cases. TRAI believes that the measure will allow the called party to make an informed choice about whether to answer the call, boosting trust in digital communication.
However, the rollout may face some challenges. Initially, the service will primarily be available to 4G and 5G subscribers, potentially excluding a substantial number of users on older 2G networks due to technical limitations. Telecoms have also raised concerns regarding attributing CNAP when numbers belong to businesses or family-shared mobile connections.
Despite these challenges, the implementation of CNAP represents a significant step forward in making telecom networks safer, more transparent, and user-friendly. By providing verified caller identification, the government aims to empower users, deter fraudsters, and strengthen digital trust in mobile communication systems.
