I know the terminating carrier is what determines the Caller ID name displayed. If I understand the process correctly, if the number belongs to another carrier, the terminating carrier does a 'lookup' in the CNAM database. If for example, a number is serviced by Windstream, and a Caller ID name change is requested - that change is propagated to the different carriers by Windstream. In a particular case I'm working on now, several terminating carriers are showing the old Caller ID text. Frontier Comm. is showing it correctly, but Xfinity and Ooma do not. I believe that Windstream has made the change since at least one other carrier (Frontier) showing the new Caller ID. Am I correct in saying Windstream is off the hook?

Delivering Caller ID info is the responsibility of the DELIVERING carrier. If a Windstream customer calls a Frontier or Spectrum customer, it's up to Frontier or Spectrum to provide the CID information to the end user. As a LEC/CLEC we deal with other carriers being a bit behind the curve all the time.

When we make a change or add a subscriber, our CID data base is uploaded to...somewhere. Other carriers have to get that info. Usually it's done on a regular basis, but each carrier has their own schedule.

You are correct. For any non-local calls, a national database must be dipped/queried. Lumen, Verizon, Inteliquent, TNS, etc. all have national databases. Unfortunately, they don't all get updated at the same time (sometimes I wonder if at all). It can be real frustrating to some customers when the wrong name appears, but at the national level, there sometimes isn't much that can be done.

Yes - it seems that ironically years ago Caller ID was more accurate/consistent. I wondered what the CNAM databases are, sounds like there are several, and as mentioned one or more may not have accurate information. A while ago while working for a different company, we had requested to update the company name. When I called home, the Caller ID was correct with the new name. Calling someone with Frontier displayed the owner's name. So it seems while Frontier for example may be in sync with Windstream, they may not be with a call originating from a Cox Cable T1.

Thanks both for confirming.