Unknown calls bothering you? The name behind it will no longer be a secret.The department of telecommunications (DoT) has directed telecom operators to introduce Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) from November 1, 2026. The service will display the caller’s name on the recipient’s phone without requiring users to sign up separately. It will initially be available on 4G and higher-generation networks, while its rollout on 2G, 3G and landline networks will be considered separately.When a call comes in, the recipient’s screen will show the caller’s number along with their name. If the number is saved in the recipient’s contacts, the name stored there will appear on the screen. While for an unsaved domestic number, the name recorded in the caller’s telecom operator’s subscriber records will be displayed.International calls will be handled differently. If the number is not saved in the recipient’s contacts, the screen will display ‘International Call’ instead of the caller’s name. This applies to calls between two countries where either India or the other country is the point of origin or destination.
How will telecom operators identify callers?
The system will rely on a database maintained by the telecom operator from which the call originates. Each operator will have to establish, operate and maintain a database linking the calling name identity of its users with their assigned telecommunication identifiers.When a call reaches the recipient’s network, the terminating telecom service provider will retrieve the relevant name from this database and display it to the recipient.The DoT’s instructions apply to all telecom service providers holding authorisation or licences to provide access services. The department has directed them to implement the service across their respective service areas from November 1, 2026.
Will names of all callers be displayed?
The rules provide an exception for users who have opted for the calling line identification restriction (CLIR) facility in accordance with existing guidelines. The calling name identity of these users will not be displayed.For other callers, the name displayed will depend on whether their number is saved in the recipient’s contacts and, if it is not, the applicable rules for domestic and international calls.The instructions also allow telecom operators to offer a separate facility to businesses and users with bulk connections to display a preferred name instead of the name recorded in their subscriber data records.
Businesses can use registered trade names
Businesses opting for a preferred name will have to meet verification requirements. The name must either be a trademark registered in the user’s name with the trade marks registry under the controller general of patents, designs and trade marks, department for promotion of industry and internal trade, ministry of commerce and industry, or a trade name registered on the Goods and Services Tax portal.For new connections, the preferred name must be recorded in both the customer application form and the subscriber data record. Applicants must present original documents establishing registration under the proposed name. The telecom operator will attach true copies of these documents to the customer application form.For existing connections, operators must establish a mechanism through which businesses can apply to have their preferred names recorded. The name may be updated in the subscriber data record after the application has been examined and properly verified.Telecom operators must also carry out due diligence and retain a true copy of the documents proving registration under the preferred name after checking them against the originals.
Data retention and security safeguards
The DoT has prescribed safeguards to protect communications and ensure that the introduction of the service does not affect the quality of telecom services.Operators must follow a security-by-design approach, under which the query-response mechanism itself must ensure that the calling name identity is not retained after the incoming call is completed.They must also ensure that their databases, networks and connectivity infrastructure can handle calling name identity queries efficiently and retrieve and deliver the information in a timely manner. The quality of telecommunication services must be maintained in accordance with applicable laws.Users will also have a grievance redressal mechanism for complaints related to the service. Every telecom service provider must put in place appropriate technical and organisational measures to receive, record and maintain such grievances, and address them within a specified timeframe. The Central Government may issue further instructions and clarifications as required.The DoT’s instructions refer to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) recommendations on introducing Calling Name Presentation in Indian telecom networks, dated February 23, 2024. They also refer to the department’s instructions dated November 21, 2025, concerning the handling of know-your-customer (KYC) issues during implementation of the service.
