Caller Name Display to Become Mandatory From November 1, Government Directs Telecom Operators

The government is set to introduce mandatory caller name identification for mobile phone users from November 1, 2026, in a move aimed at helping people identify incoming calls and curb unwanted communications. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed telecom operators to implement the Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) system, which will display a caller’s registered name alongside their phone number.

Under the proposed system, users receiving calls from numbers that are not saved in their contact lists will be able to see the name registered with the caller’s telecom operator. The feature is expected to reduce dependence on third-party applications for identifying unknown callers and make it easier for people to screen incoming calls.

The CNAP system is designed to work on 4G and newer mobile networks, including 5G. The implementation for older networks, such as 2G and 3G, as well as landline connections, may be considered separately. The government has also outlined provisions concerning privacy and caller identification. Subscribers who have activated Calling Line Identification Restriction (CLIR) will be exempt from having their names displayed to recipients. Telecom operators will also be required to ensure that caller names are not retained after calls end.

Businesses will have the option of requesting a preferred name for display, subject to verification through official documents, including trademark or Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration records. This provision is intended to help customers identify legitimate business calls more easily.

The introduction of CNAP comes amid growing concerns about spam calls, fraudulent communications and phone-based scams. By displaying names associated with registered mobile connections, the government hopes to improve transparency in voice communications and help users make more informed decisions about answering calls. However, the system may not eliminate fraud entirely. A displayed name can help identify a registered subscriber, but it does not necessarily guarantee that a call is genuine or safe. Users will still need to exercise caution when responding to unfamiliar callers, particularly those requesting financial or personal information.