India Directs Telecom Operators to Display Caller Names from November 1, 2026

The government has directed telecom service providers to introduce Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) across their service areas from November 1, 2026, according to news reports.  

The service will display the caller’s name alongside their telephone number on the recipient’s phone screen. A circular dated October 13, 2026, states that operators have conducted trials on wireless terrestrial networks using 4G and higher-generation technologies.  

Users will not need to submit a separate request to access the service. Its introduction on 2G and 3G networks and public switched telephone networks will be examined separately. 

How Caller Identification Will Work 

CNAP will use subscriber records maintained by the telecom operator from which the call originates. The information displayed will have two fields: the caller’s telephone number and name. 

If the number is saved in the recipient’s contact list, the saved name will appear. For unsaved domestic numbers, the name recorded in the originating operator’s subscriber database will be displayed. Incoming international calls will carry the label “International Call”. 

Security Requirements for Telecom Operators 

The guidelines refer to Rule 48(1) of the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Principal Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026. It requires authorised entities to present calling line identification in a manner protected against tampering. 

Operators must follow a security-by-design approach. The query-response mechanism must ensure that calling name identity information is not retained after the call ends. They must also maintain sufficient database, network, and connectivity capacity to process requests and deliver information on time. 

Rules for Business Connections 

Businesses and users with bulk connections can request a preferred name instead of the name in their subscriber records. The name must be either a trademark registered with the Trade Marks Registry or a trade name registered on the Goods and Services Tax portal. 

Telecom operators must verify the requested name before approving it. For new connections, the name must be recorded in the customer application form and subscriber records. Existing users must be given a process to apply for changes. 

Complaints and Exemptions 

Operators must record and address complaints through their grievance redressal mechanisms within the specified timeframe. Users who have activated Calling Line Identification Restriction (CLIR) under existing guidelines will not have their calling names displayed. 

The rollout begins on November 1, 2026, while implementation on older networks remains subject to separate examination. 

Read More: Union Cabinet Clears 78-Day Productivity-Linked Bonus of ₹2,009.61 Crore for Railway Employees! 

Conclusion 

The new guidelines set out how caller names will be displayed and verified, along with security requirements for telecom operators. Users with an active CLIR facility will remain exempt. 

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