India’s major telecom operators — Jio, Airtel, Vi, and BSNL — have come together to launch a new service aimed at curbing scam and spam calls. The initiative introduces Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) for mobile users, enabling people to see the caller’s name before answering a call. This feature promises to enhance security and reduce unwanted calls.
What CNAP Is and How It Works
Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) is a telecom feature that displays the name of the person or entity calling, even if the number isn’t already saved in the recipient’s phone. Traditionally, caller ID shows only the incoming phone number unless a number is stored in contacts. With CNAP activated, mobile users will now see an additional text — the caller’s registered name — giving them more context before they pick up.
This is different from basic caller ID and complements other tools like call blocking lists. CNAP relies on a database of verified names tied to mobile numbers, helping catch suspicious or unregistered callers.
Why Telecom Operators Are Rolling It Out
The telecom industry has faced rising complaints from users about spam, fraudulent calls, and phishing attempts conducted via phone. These unwanted calls disrupt daily life and can sometimes result in financial loss or privacy breaches.
By displaying caller names:
- Users get better visibility into who is calling
- It becomes harder for scam callers to hide behind unknown numbers
- People can choose not to answer suspicious or unrecognised calls
This move reflects a broader push by the telecom industry and regulators to create a safer calling environment in a landscape where scam calls have grown in frequency.
Benefits for Mobile Users
With CNAP now offered by the leading network providers, mobile subscribers can expect:
- Enhanced caller transparency: Shows caller names for unfamiliar numbers
- Higher confidence in answering calls: Reduces uncertainty when picking up calls from new contacts
- Fewer scam and spam interactions: Users are more likely to ignore suspicious callers
For many, this will make phone communication more comfortable and secure, especially for users who receive frequent business or transactional calls.
Implementation and Activation
Telecom operators are expected to roll out CNAP to users phase by phase. Subscribers may need to ensure their phones and network settings support the feature. The rollout is part of ongoing efforts to modernise telecom services and strengthen consumer protection.
Current status:
Reliance Jio: Now live in West Bengal, Kerala, Bihar, UP East, Rajasthan, Punjab, Assam, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
Airtel: Active in West Bengal, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Vodafone Idea (Vi): Rolled out in Maharashtra, partially available in Tamil Nadu.
BSNL: Currently in trial testing in West Bengal.
Conclusion
The launch of Caller Name Presentation by Jio, Airtel, Vi, and BSNL marks a helpful step toward tackling scam calls and improving phone security. By showing caller names upfront, this feature empowers users to make better decisions about which calls to answer, fostering a safer and more reliable calling experience for millions of subscribers.
