What is a Caller Name Presentation (CNAP)?

Innovations continually reshape the way we communicate. Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) stands as a testament to this progress. This feature has revolutionized the traditional phone call experience. It goes beyond the conventional display of incoming numbers by allowing users to identify callers by name.

In this article, we delve into the details of the CNAP service, exploring its functionality, benefits, and the impact it has on the communication systems of the UAE.

Understanding the CNAP Service

Calling Name Presentation is a telecommunications feature that provides users with more comprehensive information about incoming calls. While Caller ID displays the caller’s phone number, CNAP UAE takes it a step further by revealing the actual name associated with that number. 

This feature is mandatory for commercial entities according to the UAE’s Telecommunication and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) regulations. The name displayed on the recipient’s mobile home screen will match the entity’s name, as it appears on their trade license or establishment card.

How CNAP Works?

The functionality of CNAP UAE relies on a comprehensive database that associates phone numbers with corresponding names. When a call is initiated, the system cross-references the incoming number with this database and displays the associated name on the recipient’s device. This process occurs in real-time, ensuring that users receive accurate information about the caller when the call is received.

Why is CNAP Required in the UAE?

The CNAP has been mandated in UAE for commercial entities due to the following benefits it offers: 

(i) Reduced Spam and Fraud Risks

Caller Name Presentation aids in identifying potential spam or fraudulent calls by displaying the caller’s name. This added layer of information enables users to be cautious and avoid falling victim to scams or phishing attempts.

(ii) Improved Call Screening

CNAP empowers users to make more informed decisions about answering or ignoring incoming calls. By displaying the caller’s name, individuals can quickly assess the relevance and importance of the call, streamlining their communication process.

(iii) Enhanced Personalization

Integrating CNAP with contact lists adds a personal touch to the calling experience. Users can see the number and the name of the person calling, creating a more human and familiar interaction.

(iv) Efficient Business Communication

In a professional context, CNAP is particularly beneficial for businesses and organizations. It allows employees to recognize clients, partners, or colleagues quickly, facilitating smoother and more efficient communication.

(v) User-Friendly Interface

CNAP contributes to a more user-friendly interface by presenting relevant information at a glance. This simplicity reduces the cognitive load on users, making the communication process more intuitive and enjoyable.

Ensure Compliance with CNAP Regulations with Exotel’s Voice Platform

The CNAP service is a noteworthy development in the UAE’s telecommunications ecosystem. It is important to note that it has been mandated only for businesses, and not for consumers. Further, it is optional for government entities.

Exotel’s voice platform can help your business comply with the CNAP UAE regulation. Moreover, this platform can allow you to benefit from advanced features like click-to-call, IP calling, in-app calling, nOTP, and more. By partnering with us, you can rest assured about the ease of integration as our solutions are based on clean and low-code APIs. You can also continuously improve your customer engagement strategy using the comprehensive insights provided by our platform. Contact us for more details and experience the magic!

FAQs

Q1- What is CNAP?

Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) is a telecommunications feature that displays the name of the calling party on the recipient’s phone along with their phone number.

When a call is received, CNAP retrieves the caller’s name from the telephone company’s database and sends it to the recipient’s device. This allows the recipient to see both the name and the number of the person calling them, providing additional information that can help them decide whether to answer the call.

Q2- What’s the impact of CNAP on your business?

The impact of Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) on a business can be significant, particularly in industries where telephone communication plays a crucial role in customer interactions.

When the business makes outbound calls, its registered entity name is visible to the customer. Customers can thus recognize legitimate calls from the business more easily. This increases trust, improves call pickup rates, and facilitates higher brand visibility. It ultimately leads to more successful customer interactions and improved communication efficiency for businesses.

Q3- Has the CNAP/Caller ID been activated for all UAE entities?

The CNAP feature is not currently accessible to consumers. It has currently been enabled for commercial entities exclusively. However, the UAE authorities plan to gradually expand its availability to all remaining entities’ numbers in the near future.

Additionally, government entities, including ministries and institutions associated with or owned by the UAE government, embassies, consulates, and diplomatic offices, have the option to opt out of this feature. Consequently, not all incoming calls will display the Caller ID in these instances.