Mobile users will soon start seeing the names of unknown callers displayed on their phone screens, as telecom operators have begun testing the Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) service in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. The feature aims to help users identify callers more easily and curb the rising number of spam and scam calls across the country.According to an ET report, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) directed operators to start proof-of-concept trials before introducing CNAP nationwide. The system will automatically show the caller’s registered name, not just their number, when an incoming call is received. This is expected to reduce impersonation cases, where callers pose as representatives of other entities or use fake identities.

Trials and implementation

During the pilot phase, Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea, and BSNL are testing the service from the Haryana circle, while Bharti Airtel is conducting its trials from Himachal Pradesh. The name of the caller will only appear if the person holds a mobile connection registered in one of these circles. For example, if a Haryana or Himachal subscriber calls someone elsewhere in India, their name will be displayed on the recipient’s screen, provided the number is not already saved.

How CNAP works

The CNAP feature uses the information submitted by subscribers in their customer acquisition forms at the time of connection. It will be a default service once fully rolled out. However, it currently excludes landline users and people using feature phones on 2G networks. An industry executive was quoted by ET as saying that “landline numbers will be included after the data is integrated.”

Nationwide rollout and challenges

The DoT has urged telecom firms to implement CNAP quickly, with a nationwide rollout expected by March–April next year, depending on the trial results. However, operators have cited technological limitations on 2G networks as a key challenge for wider implementation.Telecom companies have not yet issued official comments on the ongoing trials.