TRAI starts testing CNAP to show caller names on unknown calls
Author: Manish Methani
Last Updated: December 20, 2025 at 6:30am IST
To deal with the growing problem of scam and spam calls, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has begun introducing a new system called Calling Name Presentation, or CNAP. This feature will show the caller’s verified name on the phone screen, even when the number is not saved in the contact list.
TRAI approved the CNAP framework in October 2025, after which telecom companies started testing it in real conditions. The service is now being rolled out slowly across mobile networks. According to officials, most users in India are expected to see this feature active on their phones by March or April 2026.
The main goal of CNAP is to help people identify who is calling them. Due to the rise in fraud calls, many users avoid answering unknown numbers altogether. Scammers often pretend to be bank staff, delivery agents, or government officers. By showing a verified name, TRAI hopes people can make better decisions before picking up a call.
Unlike popular caller ID apps, CNAP does not depend on user reports or public tagging. Instead, it uses data already available with telecom companies. When a SIM card is issued, users submit official identity documents such as Aadhaar. CNAP uses these KYC-verified records, so the name shown during a call is linked to the legal owner of the number.
Telecom operators began CNAP trials last month on selected networks. The feature is being launched first for 4G and 5G users, while support for older networks will be added later. TRAI has also instructed smartphone manufacturers to make sure new and existing devices support CNAP within six months.
User reactions online have been divided. Many people have praised the move, calling it a much-needed step against phone scams. At the same time, some users are worried about privacy. They feel that displaying names by default could remove anonymity in sensitive situations. Others have raised concerns about incorrect names in KYC records and how quickly telecom companies will correct such errors.
Earlier, users could rely on the CLIR feature to hide their caller ID. However, initial tests suggest that some carriers may have limited or disabled this option, though the situation may vary across networks and devices.
CNAP is often compared to Truecaller, which is already widely used in India. The key difference is that CNAP is built directly into the telecom network and does not require any app. While this makes fake identities harder to use, it also offers fewer personal control options for users.
TRAI has assured that access to KYC data will be strictly monitored and used only for caller identification. If implemented effectively, CNAP could make voice calls safer and restore trust in answering unknown numbers. The real impact will become clear as the feature reaches more users in the coming months.
