Telecom operators in India have officially begun pilot runs for the much-awaited Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) feature. Vodafone Idea has started its pilot project in Haryana, while Reliance Jio will soon initiate its pilot for calls made across India. According to DoT officials, the early-stage pilots are designed to test network readiness and user response before the full rollout.
Verified Caller ID For Every Call
The CNAP feature enables users to view the name of the caller based on verified KYC data during incoming calls — similar to Truecaller but far more reliable, since it is verified by telecom operators rather than being crowdsourced. This initiative aims to significantly reduce phone scams, impersonation, and digital frauds such as “digital arrest” and financial phishing.
Regulatory Push For Default Activation
Initially, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had recommended that CNAP be activated only upon user request. However, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) proposed that the feature be enabled by default for all subscribers, with an option to opt out. TRAI has accepted this view, allowing DoT to proceed with a broader implementation plan.
Nationwide Rollout By March 2026
Sources within the DoT confirmed that telecom operators are being urged to scale up CNAP implementation nationwide by March 31, 2026. Once fully deployed, all telecom users in India will automatically see the caller’s verified name before answering a call — enhancing transparency and user safety.
Boost To Digital Trust And Security
While third-party caller ID apps already exist, their data is often inaccurate or unverified. CNAP’s reliance on official KYC records ensures higher accuracy and accountability. The feature is expected to strengthen India’s fight against cybercrime and spam calling, marking a major step toward a safer digital communication ecosystem.
