Caller-name display on mobile phones to be a must from Nov 1

New Delhi: Indian mobile users will soon see the names of unknown callers on their screens.The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed telecom service providers to roll out Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) — a verified caller-identification system — from November 1.CNAP will be enabled by default for all subscribers on 4G and 5G networks. When a call arrives, the handset will first display the caller’s number. The second line will show the name saved in the recipient’s contacts.Explained | PhonePe brings UPI payment option to keypad-based feature mobiles in India; How it worksIf the number is not stored, the system will fetch the caller’s registered name from the originating telecom operator’s subscriber database for domestic calls.International numbers will simply appear as “International Call”.Every telecom operator must create, operate, and maintain a secure database that maps subscriber names to their mobile numbers. The network receiving the call will query this database in real time and present the information to the called party.For business and bulk connections, operators may allow a preferred display name in place of the registered subscriber name. The preferred name must be either a trademark registered with the Trade Marks Registry or a trade name recorded on the Goods and Services Tax portal.Operators are required to verify the supporting documents before activation. Existing business customers will need to apply for the update.The mandate follows successful trials on 4G and 5G networks in recent months, and draws on recommendations issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in February 2024.In October 2025, TRAI endorsed the DoT’s decision to activate CNAP by default, departing from its earlier suggestion that the feature be offered only on request.Implementation on older 2G and 3G networks, as well as on the public switched telephone network, will be examined separately, the DoT order stated.

Source: Deccan Herald