The ANSI standards refer to it as CNAP for Calling Name Presentation.  We refer to it here as WCNAM or Wireless Calling Name with the acronym CNAM coming from the original wireline standard terminology. 

What WCNAM? 

It is perhaps the most valuable of all wireless data services!!

WCNAM represents network-based delivery of the calling party’s name identity to the called party’s mobile cellular phone.  WCNAM those provides the called party the opportunity to view the identity of the caller as a call management enhancement.

What is Unique about Network-based Calling Name?

Without WCNAM, the called party has the following choices:

1. Rely on the displayed number of the calling party such as 212-555-5555
2. Program name/number information into the mobile cellular phone and/or SIM card such as 212-555-5555 equals Alex Wang.  Subsequently, every time 212-555-5555 calls the programmed unit, it will display “Alex Wang” rather than just the calling party number.

With WCNAM, the called party receives the name information automatically from the network.  There is no need to program the phone and/or SIM card.