FAQs

CNAM (Caller Name Delivery), sometimes called Calling Name Presentation (CNAP), is a service that allows a caller's name to be displayed along with their phone number when making a call.

Caller ID (CLID) includes the calling phone number and is needed for call routing and delivery. CNAM adds a name or text information associated with that phone number, helping recipients identify who is calling.

Unlike many modern communications services, CNAM is generally based on a database lookup performed by the receiving provider. When a call is received, the provider may query a caller name database and display the associated name to the called party.

No. Multiple databases and service providers support caller name information. As a result, caller name display can vary depending on the receiving carrier and device.

CNAM is primarily a United States service. Similar capabilities may exist in other regions, but implementation methods vary by country and carrier.

No. CNAM and spam labelling systems are generally separate. A valid caller name may improve call recognition and/or answering rates, but it does not guarantee that calls will avoid spam or nuisance call classifications.

Not directly. STIR/SHAKEN and CNAM serve different purposes and operate independently. CNAM provides caller name information, while STIR/SHAKEN provides a framework for authenticating a calling number and allows the receiving service provider to verify that authentication. A call's STIR/SHAKEN attestation level (A, B, or C) generally does not affect whether a caller name is displayed, but it may have an impact on whether a call has some kind of “Verified” indicator or checkmark depending on the receiving service provider, device and service plan. So, both may influence how incoming calls are presented or whether a call is answered by the recipient.

Branded-calling indicators are enhanced caller identification features provided by some carriers, devices, and third-party caller identification services. These indicators may include verified badges, checkmarks, business names, logos, or other trust signals intended to help recipients identify incoming calls. They are separate from traditional CNAM services and may rely on multiple factors, including STIR/SHAKEN authentication, business verification programs, carrier analytics, and third-party caller identification databases.

There can be a wide range of displayed information. Many mobile carriers, smartphone manufacturers, and third-party applications increasingly supplement or replace CNAM data with their own caller identification sources. As such, the displayed information may not always originate from a CNAM database.

Caller name display depends on several factors, including:

• The receiving carrier's systems and policies
• The recipient's device
• The recipient’s specific service plan (Basic/Standard vs. Premium)
  • e.g. Verizon’s basic, free “Call Filter” service does not provide Caller ID name. It is only available with “Call Filter Plus.”
  • T-Mobile has a similar, paid add-on service called “Name ID”
• Third-party caller identification applications
• Available caller name data sources

For these reasons, different recipients may see different caller name information for the same phone number. 

CNAM typically supports up to 15 alphanumeric characters, including spaces. Many networks display the name in uppercase letters.

Caller name display is controlled by the receiving network and device. Some carriers may not perform name lookups for every call type, and mobile devices may use alternative sources of caller identification information.

No. Standard CNAM/Caller ID is only for local numbers (sometimes called “geographic numbers”). Caller name information for toll-free numbers is not stored in the standard CNAM databases. For toll-free numbers, caller name information can vary even more widely since it comes from each carrier’s own proprietary database or some other source such as analytics platforms or other third-party services.

Updates may appear quickly, but timing varies across carriers and database providers. Full propagation of updates across all carriers, databases, and third-party applications across the telecommunications ecosystem can take several days.

Not necessarily. Many caller identification applications maintain their own databases and update schedules. Changes to traditional CNAM records may not immediately appear in third-party services.

Possibly. Number porting may require caller name records to be updated or re-registered. If that is not done, then some call recipients may see an old caller name, a new caller name, or no caller name at all until updates have propagated through relevant databases and caller identification platforms.

Caller name information can persist in various carrier and third-party databases. Changes to ownership, number porting, or delays in database updates can sometimes result in outdated information being displayed.

Yes. Many smartphones and mobile applications use contact lists, spam-protection services, and third-party caller identification platforms that may override traditional CNAM data.

Frequently, yes. Different device manufacturers may use different caller identification sources in addition to traditional CNAM databases. Consistent caller name display across all devices cannot be guaranteed.

Contact your voice service provider with specific information about calling number, receiving number/carrier, and specific information about what is being displayed on the receiving end. That information helps determine whether the issue is related to caller name registration, receiving carrier behaviour, database propagation, or third-party caller identification services.