Telcos Start Trials Of Caller ID Services In India To Check Spam Calls

Telecom operators have commenced trials of caller ID services in specific locations in response to government and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) directives

However, it is not clear which telecom service providers are conducting the trials in these areas. Representative image.

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Telecom operators have commenced trials of caller ID services in specific locations in response to government and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) directives, says a report by Economic Times (ET). Telcos have commenced "limited trials" in Mumbai and Haryana, with plans to expand to additional cities in the coming weeks, according to a report by Times of India, which cited sources familiar with the matter.

However, it is not clear which telecom service providers are conducting the trials in these areas.

Calling Name Presentation Being Conducted In These Areas

As per sources mentioned in the report, the trials for the Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) service are currently restricted to these areas, with intentions to potentially broaden to additional cities in the near future. CNAP, proposed by TRAI in November 2022, aims to enable users to identify incoming callers by displaying both their number and name. This initiative is designed to combat the increasing problem of spam and fraudulent calls.

Notably, both Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have expressed reservations regarding the rollout of CNAP in India. While Airtel highlighted "techno-commercial challenges" associated with implementing CNAP and emphasised the importance of compliance with privacy laws, Reliance Jio warned of potential issues such as increased signaling load and possible impacts on latency and interconnection-related matters.

To recall, in February last year, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) raised doubts about the efficacy of mandating CNAP and expressed concerns over potential privacy risks to users. The association proposed that TRAI explore an opt-in approach instead. As trials advance, further understanding is anticipated on the operational viability of CNAP and its acceptance among users and telecom operators alike.

An potential issue raised regarding the widespread implementation of CNAP across all mobile phones is the capability of handset manufacturers and software providers to gather caller information extensively.

Both Airtel and Reliance Jio have proposed that customers should have the option to opt into the CNAP service. They further recommended making CNAP mandatory for commercial and telemarketing numbers.