India has initiated a pilot project for the Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) system, an advanced telecom feature that will display the caller’s verified name on recipients’ phone screens. The move, led by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), aims to curb spam calls, fraud, and misuse of mobile networks by enhancing caller transparency. The pilot, conducted with major telecom operators, will assess the system’s technical feasibility and data protection protocols before a nationwide rollout by 2026. Once implemented, CNAP will fundamentally transform the way Indians identify incoming calls, marking a significant step toward safer and more accountable digital communication.
DoT Initiates CNAP Pilot to Strengthen Caller Transparency
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has commenced a pilot program to test the Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) system across select networks in India. This initiative, long anticipated by consumers and telecom experts, will display the registered name of a caller—as per telecom databases—on the recipient’s phone, even if the number is not saved in their contact list.
The pilot phase involves collaboration with major telecom service providers, including Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea, and BSNL, to ensure interoperability and accurate caller identification. The data will be sourced from the Central Subscriber Identity Database, ensuring authenticity and reducing dependence on third-party caller ID apps that often rely on unverified user information.
Officials confirmed that the pilot will be conducted in controlled test environments, allowing the DoT to evaluate technical parameters such as network latency, privacy compliance, and database synchronization.
Why CNAP Matters: Tackling Spam and Scams
India has witnessed a sharp rise in unsolicited and fraudulent calls, ranging from financial scams to phishing attempts. According to recent data from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), spam and robocalls continue to be among the top consumer grievances despite ongoing regulatory efforts.
The CNAP system aims to restore trust in voice communication by providing users with real-time information about who is calling them. Unlike existing mobile applications that depend on user-contributed data, CNAP will use verified telecom registration details, ensuring greater reliability.
Experts believe the initiative will play a critical role in reducing cyber fraud, improving user security, and enhancing telecom accountability. It also aligns with global practices—countries like the U.S. and South Korea have implemented similar caller ID frameworks to combat spam and improve digital hygiene.
Data Privacy and Implementation Challenges
While CNAP promises to enhance transparency, it also raises important data privacy considerations. The DoT has assured that the system will be compliant with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and that user consent mechanisms will be built into the framework.
Telecom operators will be responsible for ensuring secure data handling, preventing unauthorized access, and maintaining updated subscriber records. The pilot phase will assess whether CNAP can be scaled without compromising network efficiency or user confidentiality.
Industry experts caution that balancing consumer protection with data privacy will be key to the project’s long-term success. The government is expected to hold public consultations and invite feedback from industry stakeholders before finalizing the national rollout blueprint.
Nationwide Rollout Expected by 2026
Following successful pilot testing, the CNAP system is expected to be rolled out nationwide by 2026. The DoT plans to implement the service in a phased manner, starting with major telecom circles before expanding to regional networks.
Once operational, the feature will be integrated into both mobile and fixed-line services, allowing subscribers to instantly view the caller’s verified name. Officials believe the move will not only enhance consumer experience but also strengthen the integrity of India’s telecom ecosystem.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader Digital India mission, which seeks to promote secure, transparent, and citizen-centric digital infrastructure.
Toward a Safer Communication Ecosystem
The rollout of CNAP could mark a transformative moment for India’s telecommunications industry. By introducing verified caller identification, the government is signaling a decisive move toward accountable and transparent communication networks.
For millions of Indian users who rely heavily on voice calls for business and personal communication, this feature promises to restore confidence in a space long dominated by spam and uncertainty.
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