Incoming calls to show caller names under new DoT rules from November 1

The Department of Telecommunications DoT issuing an official statement on October 13 has directed telecom service providers to introduce Calling Name Presentation CNAP service across all service areas in India from November 1 2026As per the official press note the service will display the callerrsquos name on the recipientrsquos phone during an incoming call in addition to the callerrsquos telephone numberThe Department of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Communications instructed all telecom service providers authorised to offer access services to implement the facility across their wireless terrestrial networks using 4G and highergeneration technologiesThe move by DoT aims at enabling recipients to identify callers through the name associated with their subscriber records helping users make more informed decisions about answering incoming callsDoT while rolling out the feature stated ldquoEvery new authorised entity shall ensure presentation of calling line identification to a called user in a manner that is secured from tampering and in accordance with such requirements as may be specified in the portalHow will the caller name display service workUnder the DoTrsquos instructions the caller identification displayed on the recipientrsquos phone will contain two fields the callerrsquos telephone number and the callerrsquos nameIf the callerrsquos number is already saved in the recipientrsquos contact list the name saved in that contact list will be displayed If the number is not saved the callerrsquos name for a domestic call will be retrieved from the originating telecom operatorrsquos subscriber databaseFor international calls the words ldquoInternational Callrdquo will be displayed when the callerrsquos number is not saved in the recipientrsquos contact listThe order stated ldquoInternational call means a call that originates in the territory of one country and terminates in the territory of another where one of the countries is IndiardquoDoT added ldquoEach originating TSP shall establish operate and maintain a database of calling name identity mapped against the telecommunication identifier assigned to each user and the terminating TSP shall retrieve the calling name identity from such database and present the same to the called userrdquoService to be introduced without a separate requestThe DoT has specified that telecom operators must provide CNAP to users without requiring them to submit a separate requestThe initial rollout will cover wireless terrestrial networks operating on 4G and highergeneration technologies The introduction of the service on 2G and 3G networks as well as public switched telephone networks will be considered separately after further examination the circular statedSpecial provision for business connectionsThe circular also allows telecom operators to offer a ldquopreferred namerdquo facility to users holding business or bulk connections subject to verificationWhile introducing a calling name presentation service in telecommunication networks every TSP shall take appropriate technical measures for the security of communications including the following namelyIt shall follow a securitybydesign approach wherein the queryresponse mechanism itself enforces nonretention of the calling name identity upon completion of the incoming callIt shall ensure that the quality of telecommunication service is maintained in accordance with applicable lawsIt shall ensure that the database network and connectivity infrastructure are appropriately provisioned to support efficient processing of calling name identity queries and the timely retrieval and delivery of calling name identity informationUnder the provision eligible users may be allowed to display a preferred name instead of the name recorded in the telecom operatorrsquos subscriber database The preferred name must be either a registered trademark belonging to the user or a trade name registered on the Goods and Services Tax GST portalTelecom operators will be required to verify the relevant documents before approving a preferred name For new connections the name must be recorded in the customer application form and subscriber database along with supporting registration documents For existing connections operators must establish a mechanism for users to submit applications to update their preferred names after verificationPrivacy and security safeguardsThe DoT has further directed telecom operators to adopt appropriate technical and organisational safeguards while implementing the serviceThese include a securitybydesign approach under which the queryresponse mechanism must ensure that the callerrsquos name identity is not retained after the incoming call is completed Operators must also maintain service quality and ensure that their databases networks and connectivity infrastructure can process name queries efficientlyTelecom service providers have also been instructed to establish grievance redressal mechanisms to receive and resolve complaints relating to the CNAP service within a specified timeframeHowever the circular clarifies that the callerrsquos name identity will not be displayed for users who have activated the Calling Line Identification Restriction CLIR facility in accordance with existing guidelinesThe DoTrsquos October 13 circular sets November 1 2026 as the implementation date for CNAP across 4G and highergeneration wireless networks while leaving its rollout on older networks and landline systems for separate consideration