No Need for Truecaller: Telecom Companies to Display Caller Names on Mobile Screens

Mobile users in India may soon no longer need third-party apps like Truecaller to identify incoming calls. Telecom companies are gearing up to display the caller’s name directly on mobile screens. To implement this, major telecom operators such as Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea have partnered with technology firms like HP, Dell, Ericsson, and Nokia. Together, they are working on developing servers and software that will enable this feature.

Trials Underway in Several Locations

According to media reports, telecom companies have already placed orders for the necessary equipment to implement Calling Name Presentation (CNAP). Trials are currently being conducted in various locations, and once the technology is fully installed, it will be rolled out nationwide. However, this feature will not be available for feature phones.

TRAI’s Recommendation Last Year

In February last year, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommended implementing CNAP for all smartphones. Additionally, TRAI urged the government to make it mandatory for all telecom operators. Once implemented, CNAP will help users avoid spam calls and easily identify important callers.

How Will CNAP Work?

Simply put, CNAP will function similarly to Truecaller by displaying the caller’s name on the mobile screen. When CNAP is enabled, the name of registered users within the same telecom network will appear on the recipient’s screen. For example, if a Jio user calls another Jio user, the caller’s name will be displayed. However, if an Airtel user calls a Jio user, the name will not be shown. This limitation exists because the government has not yet approved data sharing between telecom companies.

With this development, telecom companies are taking a significant step toward reducing spam calls and enhancing user convenience.