Caller Name Display Mandatory From November 1: What CNAP Means For You

Telecom operators will be required to display the registered name of incoming callers from November 1, under new rules aimed at cutting down on spam and unidentified calls.

The feature, known as Calling Name Presentation (CNAP), will show the caller’s name as it appears in the telecom operator’s KYC database, rather than relying on third-party caller ID apps. It will be enabled by default, though users will have the option to opt out if they prefer not to have their own name displayed to others. The rollout is expected to work on 5G devices and compatible 4G smartphones to begin with.

For users, the change means less guessing about unknown numbers before picking up — though it also means your own registered name will show up on other people’s screens by default unless you actively choose to opt out.