The Indian government has directed telecom service providers (TSPs) to implement mandatory display of callers' registered names alongside their numbers for incoming calls. This new regulation will take effect on November 1, 2026, and is primarily targeted at wireless terrestrial networks utilizing 4G and higher generation technologies.
The Department of Telecommunications issued a circular urging TSPs to adopt the Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) service. The goal is to assist individuals in identifying calls from unknown numbers, thereby addressing issues related to spam and fraudulent calls. A separate examination will determine the CNAP rollout for 2G, 3G, and public switched telephone networks (PSTNs).
Under the new guidelines, incoming calls will first display the caller's number. If the number is saved in the recipient's contacts, that name will appear. Otherwise, for domestic calls, the calling name identity stored in the telecom operator's subscriber database will be shown. International calls will be labeled as such. Originating TSPs are required to establish and maintain a database mapping subscriber names to their numbers, which receiving operators will query.
Telecom operators are also expected to offer a Calling Line Identification Restriction (CLIR) facility, allowing users to hide their caller identity when making calls. The Ministry of Communications has urged TSPs to adopt a secure-by-design approach for implementation, ensuring communication security.
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The Indian government will require telecom service providers to display registered caller names for incoming calls on 4G and newer networks starting November 1, 2026. This measure aims to help users identify unknown callers and combat spam or fraudulent calls.