Mumbai: A new feature that lets mobile users identify the person behind an incoming call has been launched on a pilot basis in two Indian states. Telecom operators have begun testing the Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) service, which displays the registered name of the caller alongside their phone number.
According to reports, Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea, and BSNL have rolled out the trial in Haryana, while Airtel has started testing the service in Himachal Pradesh. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has instructed all telecom providers to implement CNAP across India by March 2026. Before the full rollout, the government plans to review the system’s performance and explore expanding it to additional regions.
At present, most users rely on third-party apps like Truecaller to identify callers. However, these apps are not officially verified and often depend on user-generated data, which can be inaccurate or misleading. In contrast, the CNAP system will display the official name linked to the SIM registration, ensuring authenticity and preventing misuse.
Once CNAP is implemented nationwide, callers’ names will automatically appear on all mobile devices even if their numbers are not saved in the contact list. Officials view this initiative as a major step toward transparency in mobile communication, helping users make informed decisions about incoming calls.
The government also believes that the service will significantly curb cyber fraud and phone-based scams, offering greater protection to citizens as India moves toward more secure digital connectivity.