SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure | SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Institutions: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) | Ministry of Communications
The Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) service is set to be introduced in the Indian telecommunication network, following the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)’s final response on October 28, 2025, to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). CNAP is a new supplementary feature that will display the registered legal name (CNAM) of the caller on the called party’s mobile screen. The service’s primary objective is to enable users to make an informed decision before picking up incoming calls and significantly help in curbing unwanted spam calls.
The most impactful policy decision is the government’s modification to TRAI’s initial view: CNAP service will be available by default to the called party, meaning it is automatically active for all users. Subscribers who do not wish to use the service must specifically request to disable it (opt-out), reflecting a balanced approach to privacy and call genuineness.
Implementation will be immediate for modern networks:
Immediate Rollout: The service will be implemented immediately for 4G and higher technology cellular mobile subscribers (packet-switched networks).
Phased Approach: For older circuit-switched networks, implementation is delayed until technical feasibility is achieved, as TSPs reported issues with necessary software patches.
Handset Mandate: The government is also set to issue instructions requiring the CNAP feature to be made available in all new devices sold in India after a suitable cut-off date.
Business Names: For bulk or business connections, entities will be given the facility to present a ‘preferred name’ (like a trademark or trade name) instead of the CAF name.
The decision to make CNAP a default service is a powerful regulatory intervention aimed directly at controlling spam, fraud, and unsolicited calls, which have eroded trust in the telecom network. This aligns with the broader policy goal of enhancing digital security and governance for millions of mobile users across the country.
What is Calling Name Presentation (CNAP)?→ CNAP is a supplementary telecommunication service that displays the registered legal name of the person or entity making a call, drawn from the Customer Application Form (CAF), onto the called party’s device. It is distinct from the existing Calling Line Identification (CLI), which only shows the telephone number.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: What concrete timelines and enforcement measures will the DoT implement to ensure rapid, mandatory compliance by handset manufacturers to embed the CNAP feature in all new devices sold in India?
Follow the full update here: Recommendations on Introduction of Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) Service in Indian Telecommunication Network