Caller Name Display to Launch on November 1, 2026

The Indian government has announced that starting November 1, 2026, a new service will allow callers' names to be displayed alongside their phone numbers during incoming calls. This initiative aims to improve call identification for users, making it easier to recognize who is calling.

The directive, issued on October 13, mandates telecom service providers (TSPs) to implement the calling name presentation (CNAP) service across their networks. Trials have already been conducted using 4G and higher-generation technologies, with plans to assess the service's feasibility on 2G and 3G networks later. Users will not need to submit separate requests to activate this feature, as it will be automatically integrated into their service.

Under the new guidelines, the caller identification will include two components: the caller's phone number and their name. If the recipient has the caller saved in their contacts, that name will appear. For numbers not saved, the displayed name will be sourced from the originating TSP's subscriber records. International calls will be labeled as such, ensuring clarity for users.

In addition to enhancing user experience, the government has outlined technical safeguards to protect the integrity of the calling name identity. TSPs are required to adopt a security-by-design approach, ensuring that the caller's identity is not retained post-call. They must also ensure their infrastructure can efficiently handle the necessary data processing.

Businesses will have the option to display a preferred name instead of the one recorded in their subscriber data, provided it meets specific criteria, such as being a registered trademark. TSPs will need to verify these preferred names before they can be displayed. Furthermore, a grievance redressal mechanism must be established by each TSP to address user complaints regarding the CNAP service, ensuring timely resolution of issues.