Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL Launch CNAP to Show Caller Names and Curb Scam Calls

Rising incidents of spam, phishing, and impersonation calls have made answering unknown numbers risky. To address this, India’s telecom operators are rolling out Caller Name Presentation (CNAP), a network-level feature that displays the verified name of the caller along with their phone number. Approved by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in October 2025, CNAP is now being gradually enabled and is expected to reach most users by March or April 2026.

Why CNAP Matters

Modern scam calls are not just about marketing. Fraudsters often pose as bank officials, delivery agents, or government representatives, tricking people into sharing personal information. CNAP ensures that users see the official name registered with the caller’s telecom operator, making it far more reliable than crowd-sourced apps like Truecaller. This helps users instantly verify the caller’s identity and decide whether to answer.

How CNAP Works

Unlike app-based solutions, CNAP works directly at the network level. When a call is made, the recipient’s telecom provider checks a secure database connected to the caller’s SIM registration. The verified name is displayed on the recipient’s screen in real time. Because the information comes from official telecom records, it is harder to manipulate or falsify, providing greater accuracy than third-party applications.

Rollout Status Across Telecom Operators

Reliance Jio: Now live in West Bengal, Kerala, Bihar, UP East, Rajasthan, Punjab, Assam, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Odisha.

Airtel: Active in West Bengal, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.

Vodafone Idea (Vi): Fully rolled out in Maharashtra, partially available in Tamil Nadu.

BSNL: Currently in trial testing in West Bengal.

CNAP will be enabled by default. Users who prefer not to display their name on outgoing calls can opt out by contacting their telecom provider.

Silent Calls Warning

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has alerted users about “Silent Calls,” where picking up a call results in no one speaking on the line. Scammers use these calls to confirm active numbers, which are then targeted for phishing or other fraudulent activities. Users are advised to block these numbers immediately and report them through the Sanchar Saathi portal.

Impact for Mobile Users

Once widely implemented, CNAP will offer a reliable way to verify callers, making phone communication safer and more transparent. By providing verified caller information, users can make informed decisions about answering calls, reducing the risk of scams. This development strengthens trust in everyday phone communication and adds an important layer of protection against fraud.