The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has instructed leading telecom operators such as Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vodafone Idea to swiftly introduce the Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) service. This initiative is designed to reduce fraudulent calls and improve user safety by showing the caller's verified name on the recipient's phone.

Figure 1. DoT Calls for Telecom Companies to Roll Out Caller ID Feature to End Fake Calls.

CNAP Set for Soon-to-be-Launched Rollout

According to a report by ET Telecom, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently held a meeting with telecom operators, stressing the need for the prompt deployment of CNAP technology. Currently in its trial phase, CNAP will enable smartphone users to identify callers by displaying the name associated with the SIM card's KYC data. However, this service will not be accessible to 2G feature phone users. Figure 1 shows DoT Calls for Telecom Companies to Roll Out Caller ID Feature to End Fake Calls.

CNAP to Combat Fraudulent Calls with Verified Caller Information

The CNAP (Caller Name Presentation) service is anticipated to reduce fraudulent calls by displaying the verified name of the caller on the recipient's phone. This measure is expected to deter scammers and improve user safety.

Stricter SIM Card Verification Measures Enforced.

In addition to the CNAP rollout, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has directed the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to implement stricter SIM card verification protocols. Telecom companies are now forbidden from selling new SIM cards without Aadhaar biometric verification, ensuring that SIM cards are issued with valid identification and preventing fraud and misuse.

What is CNAP?

The Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) service is a feature that shows the verified name of the caller on the recipient’s screen. Unlike third-party apps such as Truecaller, which rely on crowd-sourced and often inaccurate data, CNAP pulls the caller's name directly from the KYC (Know Your Customer) information linked to their SIM card.

A Government-Backed Initiative for Trustworthy Caller Identification

This government-backed initiative seeks to create a more reliable caller identification system, boosting user security and trust in mobile communications.

The Road Ahead

With the implementation of CNAP and stricter SIM verification processes, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is making important strides toward safeguarding mobile users across India. These measures aim to foster a safer and more dependable communication experience for millions of telecom subscribers.

DoT’s Push for Caller ID Feature

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has called on telecom companies like Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vodafone Idea to urgently implement the Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) feature. This move aims to tackle the rising problem of fraudulent calls and enhance security for users. CNAP will display the verified name of the caller based on KYC information, offering a reliable alternative to current third-party apps that rely on crowd-sourced data.

The Need for CNAP to Combat Fraud

With the proliferation of spam, scam, and fraudulent calls, the DoT’s push for CNAP is seen as a critical step in improving user security. The CNAP service will allow smartphone users to instantly recognize the caller by showing their verified name, as opposed to unknown or misleading numbers often associated with fraudulent ativities.

Stricter SIM Card Verification Protocols

Alongside CNAP, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has directed the DoT to enforce stricter SIM card issuance procedures. Telecom companies are now required to verify new SIM cards using Aadhaar biometric data, preventing fraudulent identities and ensuring that SIM cards are not issued using fake or unauthorized documents. This measure aims to curb the misuse of mobile numbers for illegal activities.

How CNAP Works

The Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) service works by displaying the verified name associated with the SIM card’s KYC information directly on the recipient’s phone. Unlike apps like Truecaller, which rely on unreliable, crowd-sourced data, CNAP uses official, government-registered details, ensuring more accurate and trustworthy caller identification.

Impact on Telecom Users and the Industry

With these changes, the DoT aims to create a safer and more secure communication environment for mobile users across India. The implementation of CNAP and stricter SIM card verification measures will not only reduce fraudulent calls but also enhance trust in the telecom sector, contributing to a more reliable and transparent mobile experience for millions of subscribers.

Source:India TV

Cite this article:

Priyadharshini S (2025),Dot Urges Telecom Companies to Implement Caller ID Feature, Ending Fake Calls, AnaTechMaz, pp. 208