India’s telecommunications regulator is piloting a new system — the Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) — which enables users to see the authenticated name of incoming callers. The telecom department has asked operators like Vodafone Idea and Reliance Jio to begin trials in Haryana, with intention to roll out the feature across 4G and 5G networks by March 31, 2026.
Unlike third-party apps that offer caller ID based on crowd-sourced databases, CNAP will rely directly on KYC-verified subscriber details held by mobile operators. This means each incoming call will display the official name as recorded in the SIM subscription, helping reduce spam, fraudulent calls, and identity theft.
While the service currently targets 4G/5G users only, roughly 200 million + 2G subscribers will eventually be brought in once the feature proves successful. The regulator has recommended that the system be enabled by default for all incoming users, with an opt-out option instead of requiring manual activation.
Authorities believe CNAP will play a significant role in reducing spam and scam calls, enhancing telco-led cyber-fraud detection and prevention. Smartphone vendors and operators are expected to coordinate on compatibility, as the feature requires handset support on newer networks.
Telecom firms have long faced pressure from both regulators and consumers to address nuisance calls from unverified or masked numbers. With CNAP in place, the incoming-caller transparency could act as a deterrent for malicious actors and offer greater confidence to users.
To sum up, the CNAP initiative represents a major step by the Indian government in strengthening its digital safeguarding ecosystem. By leveraging subscriber identity at the network level, it aligns with India’s larger push for tele-security and trust in the telecom sector.
