Until now, smartphone users in India have relied heavily on third-party applications such as Truecaller and Bharat Caller ID for identifying incoming calls. However, these apps often depend on user-generated databases and unverified information, which may not always be accurate. TRAI’s newly approved system will rely entirely on verified details gathered during the SIM registration process, ensuring that the name displayed is authentic and directly linked to the caller’s government-verified identity.
According to the telecom regulator, the CNAP feature will be automatically activated for all subscribers across India, though users will retain the option to opt out by contacting their telecom service provider. TRAI explained that the feature will function as a supplementary service integrated with basic telecom offerings rather than as a standalone service. Every telecom operator will be required to maintain a Calling Name (CNAM) database, which will map subscribers’ verified names to their registered mobile numbers.
When a call is placed, the receiving network will search this CNAM database through the Local Number Portability Database (LNPD) and retrieve the verified caller’s name in real-time. This name will then appear on the recipient’s screen, allowing users to make informed decisions about whether to answer the call. The mechanism aims to replicate the caller ID functionality offered by third-party apps, but with government-mandated accuracy and accountability.
Before final approval, the DoT conducted pilot tests of the CNAP system across select cities using 4G and 5G networks. The trials revealed several implementation challenges, including software compatibility issues and the need for network system upgrades. As a result, the initial testing was primarily focused on packet-switched networks, which are more commonly used for mobile data transmission than circuit-switched voice networks.
Industry analysts believe the introduction of CNAP could significantly enhance consumer trust and reshape how users interact with phone calls. By reducing reliance on unregulated third-party applications, the feature could also help improve data privacy and limit exposure to malicious data harvesting. Additionally, verified caller identification is expected to reduce incidents of spam calls, phishing attempts, and impersonation scams that have increasingly plagued Indian users in recent years.
While TRAI has not announced an official rollout date, telecom operators have reportedly begun upgrading their systems and databases to accommodate the CNAP infrastructure. The rollout is expected to be gradual, starting with major telecom circles before expanding nationwide in the coming months. Once implemented, CNAP could become a major step forward in digital trust and consumer protection within India’s rapidly growing telecommunications ecosystem.
By linking phone communication with verified identities, TRAI’s caller name display feature represents a significant shift toward a safer and more transparent mobile experience. It underscores the regulator’s ongoing efforts to safeguard users against fraudulent activities while promoting accountability within India’s telecom sector.
