CNAM Caller ID Management
Why use CNAM?
When your customers’ phones ring, they want to know who’s calling. CNAM (which stands for Caller ID Name) is a component of caller ID. When you enable it, a CNAM lookup dips into a database full of caller ID information to display that info at the time of call. When you add CNAM, you help your customers manage expectations and elevate your own brand experience.
CNAM capabilities
CNAM through Bandwidth gives your business big value in a lot of ways. We make it easy to add, change, or delete entries through the use of our web portal or API. If you haven’t written your names and numbers to LIDB (the Line Information Database that CNAM dips into), we can help with that too.
With Bandwidth, you can:
- Deliver real-time, accurate caller ID information.
- Benefit from dedicated CNAM setup and support from our world-class team.
- Personalize outbound sales calls for increased engagement.
- Reduce missed calls and minimize disruption from spam.
- Perform CNAM lookups on any phone number, not just those provisioned with Bandwidth.
- Integrate seamlessly via SIP-based protocol or REST API.
Next-level support
An award-winning team has your back for the setup and support of CNAM services.
Get started with CNAM
Get your customers to start recognizing you.
CNAM FAQs
Ever wonder how your phone displays a name instead of just a number? When you receive a call, your carrier queries a CNAM database to display the associated name. This information isn’t foolproof – it relies on businesses and individuals keeping their details updated. Bandwidth provides robust CNAM caller ID solutions, ensuring your calls are clearly identified, building trust and boosting answer rates.
Yes, cell phones can display CNAM (Caller ID Name) information, but this depends on the carrier and device. When you receive a call, your carrier queries a CNAM database to retrieve the associated name. However, not all carriers support CNAM and mobile networks are more complex than traditional landlines. Accuracy can vary.
Additionally, if the caller’s information isn’t available in the database, the name may not display. To ensure your calls are recognized, consider updating your CNAM information with your carrier.
Bandwidth ensures reliable CNAM caller ID delivery, even on mobile networks, helping you identify legitimate calls and improve communication experiences.
Both enhance caller ID, but they work differently. CNAM caller ID relies on a CNAM database lookup—displaying the name associated with a phone number. It’s a standard, basic service.
Branded Calling goes further. It allows a dynamic caller ID and displays a logo, rich content, and a reason for calling directly on the recipient’s phone—a much more engaging experience. While CNAM shows who is calling, Branded Calling explains why. Unlike CNAM, Branded Calling offers richer information and is more reliable, as it enables businesses to control the displayed details, reducing the risk of calls being misidentified or blocked.
Bandwidth offers CNAM, helping build trust with your customers. If your calls are still getting incorrectly marked as spam, check out Number Reputation Management.
To customize your CNAM caller ID, Bandwidth offers a straightforward process:
Log In: Access the Bandwidth App.
Navigate to Phone Numbers: Use the search bar to find your specific number.
Access Phone Number Details: Click on the desired number to open its details page.
Modify CNAM Settings: In the “TN Options” section, adjust the CNAM display toggle to your preference. You can also assign the setting at the “location” level for all numbers in that specific “location” or grouping.
Save Changes
Click “Submit” to apply your updates.
For bulk updates, Bandwidth provides a CSV template to manage multiple numbers efficiently. You can additionally automate all of it via APIs. For detailed instructions, visit the support center or get in touch with your account manager.
When your employees make outbound calls, the CNAM caller ID displayed depends on your Bandwidth account settings and the recipient’s carrier capabilities. By default, Bandwidth uses the CNAM database to display the caller’s name associated with the outbound number. To customize this, you can enable or disable CNAM on individual numbers or across your account. Keep in mind that toll-free numbers do not support CNAM, so only the number will be displayed in such cases.