Will CNAP Transform Caller ID Experience in India?

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), in collaboration with the Department of Telecom (DoT), is set to revolutionize caller identification in the country. By default, the original name of the caller will be displayed, aligning with initiatives to curb fraud and cybercrime.

While Trai initially recommended an opt-in approach for the Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) service, the DoT has countered with a proposal to make the service available by default. Subscribers, however, will retain the option to disable this feature if desired, reflecting a balance between innovation and user choice.

Technical implementation challenges persist, especially for older 2G and 3G networks. The DoT plans to finalize the CNAP framework, working alongside the Ministry of Electronics and IT, to integrate this feature into devices sold in India, potentially transforming the telecommunications landscape.