CNAP feature 2026: Government-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is reportedly buckling up to introduce the Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) feature across the country, marking a major milestone towards stepping up user safety and transparency in mobile communications. The feature allows users to view the caller’s name before answering it, and is already in force by private telecom operators. Within the next few months, CNAP could feature in BSNL-run networks too, as per reports.

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CNAP feature 2026: Phased integration underway, claim reports

Several reports claimed that BSNL has already deployed the CNAP solution and is currently persevering in efforts to integrate it with private telecom networks in a zone-wise manner. Notably, major operators such as Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea already have the feature function for their users. 

Once the integration process is complete, BSNL is expected to roll out the service nationwide within three to four months, providing its vast subscriber base access to enhanced caller identification. 

TRAI introduced CNAP to curtail spam calls

It is noteworthy that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had introduced the CNAP feature with the goal to tackle the growing menace of fraudulent and spam calls. It was launched in a phased manner in the second half of 2025, following trial runs carried out by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on both 4G and 5G networks. 

The system developed and implemented by the Centre of Development of Telematics (C-DoT) uses KYC-verified subscriber details to display the caller’s name directly on the recipient’s phone screen. 

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CNAP does not require internet connectivity

Unlike third-party applications such as Truecaller, the CNAP feature does not demand internet connectivity or additional subscriptions. It is integrated directly into the telecom network, enabling users to access a seamless and cost-free caller identification. However, presently, the service remains limited in functionality when calls are made across different telecom networks. Industry sources say that efforts are underway to resolve cross-network compatibility issues to ensure a uniform experience for users.  Once fully implemented, the CNAP feature is expected to enable users to make informed decisions before answering calls, reducing the risk of them falling prey to spam or fraudulent calls. Also read: New ATM rules to kick in from April 1 as HDFC, PNB announce key changes; here’s what customers need to know