India’s telecom giants are set to overhaul the way we identify incoming calls. In a coordinated move, Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL have launched the Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) service, which will display the caller’s registered name on the recipient’s screen the moment the phone rings. The initiative aims to curb spam, protect privacy and diminish the reliance on third‑party apps such as Truecaller. As the service rolls out across 4G and 5G networks, users can expect a seamless, carrier‑verified identification experience that could reshape call‑screen dynamics in the sub‑continent.
The technology behind CNAP
CNAP leverages the STIR/SHAKEN framework, originally developed in the United States to combat robocalls. By attaching a cryptographic token to each call‑setup request, the network can verify the authenticity of the caller’s number and fetch the associated name from the operator’s subscriber database. This verification happens in real time, allowing the handset to render the name alongside the number before the user answers.
Rollout timeline and operator strategy
Each carrier has adopted a phased approach, beginning with pilot programs in major metros before expanding nationwide. The table below summarizes the key milestones as of 19 December 2025:
| Operator | Pilot launch | Full‑scale rollout | Coverage goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jio | Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | All 4G/5G users |
| Airtel | Q2 2023 | Q3 2024 | Urban & semi‑urban markets |
| Vi | Q2 2024 | Q2 2025 | 4G subscribers only |
| BSNL | Q4 2024 | Q4 2025 | Fixed‑line & mobile base |
All four operators have pledged to make the service free for end‑users, with the cost absorbed into their existing subscription fees.
Impact on users and privacy concerns
For the average consumer, CNAP promises immediate clarity: the moment a phone rings, the caller’s registered name appears in bold, reducing the need to glance at the contact list or rely on third‑party apps. However, privacy advocates warn that mandatory name disclosure could expose users who prefer anonymity, such as whistleblowers or victims of domestic abuse. To address this, carriers have introduced an opt‑out mechanism that lets subscribers hide their name from the public CNAP directory while still receiving the service for incoming calls.
Competition with third‑party apps
Services like Truecaller have dominated the Indian market by aggregating caller data from user‑submitted address books. CNAP threatens this model by offering carrier‑verified identification at no extra cost. While Truecaller is likely to pivot toward value‑added features—spam‑filtering AI, business profiles and integration with messaging platforms—the fundamental need for a reliable caller name may gradually shift to the built‑in CNAP service.
Future outlook
Analysts predict that once CNAP achieves near‑universal penetration, the telecom ecosystem will see a decline in spam‑call volumes by up to 30 % within the first year. Moreover, the underlying STIR/SHAKEN infrastructure paves the way for future innovations such as verified video calls and secure VoIP services. The success of CNAP could also inspire neighboring markets to adopt similar standards, positioning India as a regional leader in call‑security technology.
In sum, the coordinated launch of CNAP by Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL marks a pivotal shift toward transparent, secure telephony in India. While user convenience and spam reduction are clear benefits, the rollout also raises important questions about privacy and the future role of third‑party identification apps.
Image by: Dương Nhân
https://www.pexels.com/@d-ng-nhan-324384
