It may soon become easier to identify unknown calls coming on your mobile phone. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued instructions to implement Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) service across the country. Under this, from November 1, 2026, the name of the caller will also be shown along with calls coming on 4G and newer technology networks. With this, users will be able to get additional information before receiving the call.
The name recorded in the telecom record will be visible along with the number.
Under CNAP facility the name of the caller will be shown based on the subscriber record of his/her telecom operator. That means the name information will not depend on the user-reported database of any third-party app.
Even if a person's number is not saved in the phone, his registered name may still appear during an incoming call. At the same time, for an already saved number, the name entered in it can be visible in the phone's contact list.
Can help in identifying spam and cyber fraud
Often fraudsters call posing as bank officers, government employees or representatives of some company. In such a situation, seeing the name along with the call can give the user an additional hint to identify a suspicious call. This can help increase vigilance regarding unknown numbers and reduce the risk of fraud.
However, it would not be wise to consider a call as secure just based on the name visible on the screen. One should avoid sharing OTP, banking password, card information or other confidential details on any call.
The service will activate automatically
As per the instructions of the Department of Telecommunications, telecom companies will have to provide CNAP facility on their networks. For this, customers will not need to make a separate request. In the initial phase, this service will be applicable on mobile networks with 4G and newer technology. Its implementation on 2G, 3G and landline networks will be considered separately.
Seeing the name does not mean complete guarantee of identity.
The name displayed in CNAP will be based on the customer records of the telecom operator. Therefore, the name displayed on the screen does not always confirm the actual identity of the caller or the purpose of the call. The purpose of this feature is to increase transparency in calling and provide additional information to users for decision making.
Overall, CNAP service can prove useful in identifying unknown calls, but to avoid cyber fraud, vigilance and security of personal information will remain as important as before.