Understanding CNAM: How Caller Name Display Works for VoIP Calls in the US
Applicable To:
- US Voice Traffic
- CNAM (Caller Name Delivery)
Explanation:
CNAM (Caller Name Delivery) is a feature that allows the caller's name to appear alongside their phone number on the receiving party's Caller ID screen. This feature applies only to US domestic local numbers, and there is no additional cost for adding CNAM.
When a call is made, the receiving carrier retrieves the caller's name from national CNAM databases and displays it in the Caller ID field. However, it's important to note the following:
- There is no obligation for receiving carriers to deliver CNAM information to their customers.
- Receiving carriers incur a charge for accessing CNAM databases, which may influence whether or not they choose to retrieve and display the information.
- As a result, CNAM is not consistently displayed. On average, fewer than 50% of calls in the US include the CNAM in the Caller ID.
Common Reasons for Missing CNAM:
If the receiving party's device does not display CNAM, the issue might be due to one of the following:
- Device Settings: The receiving device may have settings that block CNAM display.
- Outdated Database: The receiving carrier may be using an internal database that lacks updated CNAM information.
- Database Retrieval Issues: Either the originating or terminating carrier may not have retrieved CNAM data from the national database.
Recommendations:
- Verify Device Compatibility: Ensure the receiving device supports CNAM and has no settings blocking its display.
- Contact the Telecom Operator: If the issue persists, reach out to the telecom operator for confirmation on whether they can access and terminate CNAM locally.
By following these steps, you can better understand and potentially resolve issues related to CNAM display.