Summary of this article
CNAP rollout begins across 4G and newer networks
Caller names will appear alongside telephone numbers
Businesses can apply to display verified preferred names
Indian telecom operators are now required to introduce Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) across 4G and higher-generation mobile networks from November 01, 2026. This is under a directive by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). This measure will display a caller’s name alongside their telephone number.
In the circular dated October 13, 2026, the DoT instructed all telecom service providers authorised to offer access services to implement CNAP across their service areas. The DoT will consider any rollout on 2G and 3G networks separately.
How CNAP will work
Under this proposed system, caller identification will appear in two separate fields. The telephone number and the caller’s name. The name will come from the subscriber data record maintained by the operator from whose network the call originates. Users will not need to adhere to any formalities or compliance requirements in order to activate it.
If a recipient has the contact saved, the saved contact name will be reflected. For an unsaved domestic number, the name recorded in the originating operator’s database will display.
As for international calls, the screen will reflect ‘International Call’ along with the numbers. The originating operator must maintain a database linking subscriber names to telephone identifiers.
Rules for Businesses
The circular also provides for a preferred name option for users with business or any bulk connections. Telecom operators may allow businesses to display a verified name instead of the name held in subscriber records.
The preferred name must be either a trademark registered to the user or a trade name registered on the Goods and Services Tax portal. Operators must verify any supporting documents. For any new connections, the approved name must be recorded in the customer application form and subscriber data records. For existing connections, operators must establish a process for businesses to apply for any update.
What it means for users
CNAP can make it easier to distinguish familiar callers from unknown numbers and provide more information before one answers. However, any displayed name does not guarantee that a call is safe or not, nor does it eliminate spam and impersonation chances. Users should remain cautious when callers request money, passwords, one-time passwords (OTP) or sensitive personal information.
This directive comes after the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) 2024 recommendations that were issued on November 21, 2025.
