Understanding Inconsistent Caller ID Names
Applies To: All Phone Carriers & Mobile Devices
The Problem
Section titled “The Problem”You may have noticed that when people you call, the name displayed on their caller ID isn’t always what you expect. Sometimes, the name is missing entirely, sometimes it’s incorrect, and sometimes it’s different on different phones. This can be frustrating, and you’ll likely have questions about why this is happening.
What’s Happening?
Section titled “What’s Happening?”Caller ID information isn’t as straightforward as it used to be. Here’s a breakdown of the factors contributing to inconsistent caller ID names:
- Carrier Augmentation: Many major mobile carriers (like Rogers, Bell, Telus, Koodo, etc.) are now using third-party databases to supplement or override the Caller ID information we send from TELAIR. They purchase data from sources like online directories (Yellow Pages, NumLookup, etc.) to populate these databases. This means even if we provide the correct name with your phone number, the carrier might display a different name based on their data.
- Consumer Apps: Numerous apps are widely used by individuals to manage their caller ID information. Apps like Truecaller, Hiya, RoboKiller, and even built-in features on smartphones (like Samsung’s Hiya integration) allow users to store contact names and override the information transmitted by carriers.
- Dynamic Data: The data used for Caller ID is constantly changing. Online directories are updated frequently, and individuals regularly add or modify contact information in their apps. This means that even if the name was correct yesterday, it might be incorrect today.
- Spam Prevention Measures: Carriers and app developers are increasingly implementing measures to combat spam and robocalls. These measures often involve modifying or changing Caller ID names, which can further contribute to inconsistencies.
Why Can’t TELAIR Fix This?
Section titled “Why Can’t TELAIR Fix This?”As a VoIP service provider, TELAIR is responsible for delivering your call data accurately. However, we have limited control over how carriers and individual users handle this data after it leaves our network. We provide the correct name and number, but the ultimate display is determined by the receiving carrier and/or the user’s device and settings.
What Can You Do?
Section titled “What Can You Do?”While we can’t guarantee consistent Caller ID names across all devices, here are some steps you can take to mitigate the issue:
- Report Incorrect Names: Encourage your contacts to report incorrect Caller ID names within the apps they use (Truecaller, Hiya, etc.). Consistent reporting can help improve the accuracy of these databases.
- Verify Your Business Listing: Regularly check and update your business listing on online directories like Yellow Pages, Google Maps, and LinkedIn. This helps ensure that your business name is accurately associated with your phone number.
- Educate Your Contacts: Inform your contacts about the issue and encourage them to manage their contact information accurately within their own devices and apps.
TELAIR Support
Section titled “TELAIR Support”If you have any questions or concerns regarding your Caller ID presentation, please contact our support team. We are happy to assist you.