The **Indian Department of Telecommunications (DoT)** has issued a circular mandating all telecom service providers (**TSPs**) in the country to implement a **Calling Name Presentation (CNAP)** service. Effective November 1, 2026, this directive requires the display of a caller's registered name alongside their number for all incoming calls. ### Combating Spam and Fraud This initiative is a direct response to the escalating challenge of spam and fraudulent calls. By presenting the caller's identity, the government aims to empower users to better identify unknown numbers and make informed decisions about answering calls. According to a circular from the **Indian Ministry of Communications**, dated October 13, 2026, the CNAP service will present the calling name identity as recorded in the originating TSP's subscriber data record. This identity will be included in the Calling Line Identification (CLI) of the user. ### Targeted Networks and Display Logic Initially, the CNAP system will primarily target wireless terrestrial networks utilizing **4G** and higher generation technologies. The circular indicates that the rollout for **2G**, **3G**, and Public Switched Telephone Networks (**PSTNs**) will be addressed in a subsequent phase. Under the new guidelines, the display will prioritize user-saved contacts. If a number is already in the callee's contacts, that name will be displayed. For unsaved domestic numbers, the name registered with the telecom operator will appear. International calls will be labeled as such. ### Database Requirements and Privacy Safeguards To facilitate this, every originating TSP must establish and maintain a database mapping subscribers' names to their numbers. Receiving operators will query this database to retrieve and present the calling name identity. **TSPs** are also expected to provide a **Calling Line Identification Restriction (CLIR)** facility, allowing users to conceal their caller identity when making calls. The **Ministry of Communications** emphasizes a secure-by-design approach for the system's implementation. Key security provisions include: * Ensuring the calling name identity is not retained after the call ends. * Maintaining service quality in accordance with applicable laws. * Provisioning necessary infrastructure for efficient query processing. ### Options for Business and Bulk Connections Users with business or bulk connections will have the option to register a "preferred name" to be displayed. This preferred name must correspond to either a trademark registered with the **Trade Marks Registry** or a trade name registered on the **Goods and Services Tax (GST)** portal. For new connections, the preferred name, along with supporting documentation, must be recorded in the customer application form and subscriber data record, with true copies attached by the originating TSP.