The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has finally approved a proposal from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) that would require telecom operators to display the caller’s name by default on the receiver’s phone screen. The new feature, called Calling Name Presentation, aims to increase transparency in phone communication while reducing spam and fraudulent calls.
Until now, we had to rely on third-party apps like Truecaller for such features. However, this new feature will display the caller’s name based on verified information obtained during SIM registration. The authority stated that the feature will be enabled by default for all telecom subscribers across the country. Users who do not wish to use the service can opt out by contacting their telecom provider.
According to TRAI, the feature will serve as a supplementary service bundled with basic telecom offerings. Each telecom operator will be required to maintain a Calling Name (CNAM) database that connects subscribers’ verified names to their phone numbers. When a call is placed, the receiving network will search this database via the Local Number Portability Database (LNPD) to retrieve and display the caller’s name.
Before its deployment, the DoT conducted pilot tests of CNAP on 4G and 5G networks in select cities, encountering numerous challenges. It includes software compatibility issues and the requirement for system upgrades. As a result, the trials focused on packet-switched networks, which are commonly used in mobile data communications.
Overall, the new feature will enable users to make more informed decisions about incoming calls, reduce instances of spam or fraudulent communication, and avoid relying on third-party apps for information. The regulator also stated that CNAP will not be introduced as a standalone service, but rather as an integrated feature provided jointly by telecom operators.
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While the official rollout timeline for the feature is unknown, telecom providers are said to be starting the process of upgrading their systems to enable it in the coming months.