Indian telecom giants Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) are set to roll out a new Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) feature, allowing users to see the caller's name directly on their smartphone screens without the need for third-party apps like Truecaller. This initiative aims to combat the rising issue of spam and scam calls, enhancing user experience and security.
The CNAP feature will utilise verified names from users' KYC (Know Your Customer) documents, ensuring that the displayed name is accurate and trustworthy. This move is part of a broader effort by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), which recommended the implementation of CNAP in February 2024. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has urged telecom operators to expedite the rollout of this service.
To support this initiative, Jio, Airtel, and Vi have partnered with major technology vendors, including HP, Dell, Ericsson, and Nokia, to develop the necessary infrastructure for CNAP. Trials have already been conducted in select regions, and the service will be introduced in phases across the country.
This new feature promises to provide greater transparency regarding incoming calls, allowing users to identify callers before answering. However, it is important to note that while CNAP will enhance caller identification for smartphones, it may not be feasible for users on 2G networks due to technical limitations.
The introduction of CNAP is expected to significantly reduce customer harassment from unknown callers and improve overall satisfaction with telecom services. As part of ongoing efforts to tackle spam calls, telecom operators are also implementing AI-based solutions to detect and prevent fraudulent activities.