The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued its response to the Department of Telecommunications’ (DoT) back-reference dated September 26, 2025, concerning its earlier recommendations on the introduction of the Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) service in the Indian telecommunication network.
The response, dated October 28, 2025, aligns TRAI’s position with DoT’s key observations and confirms that CNAP will be implemented as a default feature with an opt-out provision.
Background
The DoT had first approached TRAI on March 21, 2022, seeking recommendations under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997, on the feasibility and framework for introducing CNAP in India. After extensive consultation with stakeholders, TRAI submitted its recommendations on February 23, 2024.
Following a detailed review, the DoT sent a back-reference in September 2025, asking TRAI to reconsider specific points — including the activation structure, network implementation, and licensing definitions.
TRAI’s Response Overview
After reviewing DoT’s observations, TRAI has largely reaffirmed its original recommendations while noting the government’s inputs. The Authority emphasized that CNAP — which enables the called party to see the name of the caller along with the number — should be introduced in Indian telecom networks in a phased manner.
TRAI agreed that:
- CNAP should be enabled by default for all users, with an option to disable it upon request.
- The Calling Name (CNAM) data should be provided by the originating telecom operator based on verified subscriber information.
- The definition of Calling Line Identification (CLI) in the Unified License should be updated to include the calling name.
- Subscribers who have opted for Calling Line Identification Restriction (CLIR) will not have their names displayed.
TRAI’s alignment with DoT on making CNAP default marks a shift from its earlier opt-in proposal, ensuring wider adoption across networks.
Implementation and Framework
TRAI has backed a phased rollout of CNAP, starting with 4G and 5G networks and extending to 2G and 3G once technically feasible. The service will operate through a secure, database-driven system, where telecom operators use verified KYC-based subscriber data to display caller names.
TRAI supported coordination with MeitY to ensure CNAP support in all new devices after a notified cut-off date. Major telecom operators have already completed successful trials, and the regulator reaffirmed CNAP’s classification as a supplementary service in line with ITU and ETSI standards.
Operators will also allow business and enterprise users to display verified trade names or trademarks as their caller identity, subject to government-approved verification procedures.
CNAP Rollout Timeline
Following TRAI’s updated response, the DoT has instructed telecom operators to begin rolling out the CNAP service within a week in at least one telecom circle, followed by a 60-day pilot phase before nationwide expansion. The initiative aims to improve transparency, curb spam, and prevent fraudulent calls by showing verified caller names for all incoming calls.