Caller Name Presentation:
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will mandate telecom operators to show the KYC-registered name of all incoming callers using Indian phone numbers, a feature known as Caller Name Presentation (CNAP).
- CNAP is a technology that enables mobile users to see an incoming caller’s name.
- The system retrieves the caller’s name from a telecom operator’s database and displays it on the recipient’s phone.
- Unlike third-party apps, CNAP will rely on the official Customer Application Form (CAF) details provided during SIM registration.
- Each telecom provider will maintain a database of subscriber names linked to mobile numbers.
- When a call is made, the system will fetch the caller’s registered name and display it on the recipient’s screen.
- Initially, CNAP will work only within the same network, meaning an Airtel-to-Airtel call will display the caller’s name, but cross-operator name display, such as Jio-to-Vodafone, will require regulatory approval for data sharing between telecom providers.
- Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommended the adoption of CNAP for all smartphones, urging telecom operators to introduce the feature.
- The aim is to reduce customer harassment from unknown or spam callers.
