Digital Payments without Internet: PhonePe Launches UPI Service for Feature Phones
The service uses SMS and 2G networks to reach more than 200 million feature phone users and adds voice-based onboarding support.
- On Monday, PhonePe launched "PhonePe UPI 123Pay," enabling Unified Payments Interface transactions for feature phone users in India without requiring an internet connection, targeting more than 200 million users.
- Utilizing an SMS-based architecture, the service functions reliably in areas with limited 2G connectivity; PhonePe Founder and CEO Sameer Nigam said the initiative aims to drive financial inclusion by onboarding the "next 300 million users."
- PhonePe partnered with Nokia, HMD, Lava International, and Itel Mobile to pre-bundle the service, allowing users to perform P2P transfers, P2M payments, and check account balances.
- To assist first-time users, the company introduced an AI-powered helpline in English and 12 Indian languages, while devices with cameras can scan QR codes to complete digital payments.
- Future updates will introduce utility bill payments, mobile recharges, and Aadhaar-based onboarding, as PhonePe plans to expand the number of supported handset manufacturers in the coming months.
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30 Articles
PhonePe UPI 123Pay brings internet-free UPI payments to feature phones in India
PhonePe has expanded its UPI 123Pay service to support feature phones in India, enabling users to make UPI payments without an internet connection. The service uses SMS-based transactions and supports money transfers, merchant payments, balance checks and transaction history.
Making UPI payments without a smartphone or internet connection is now easy. PhonePe has launched its 123UPI service for feature phone users, allowing users to send and receive money and check their bank balance without the need for an internet connection.
PhonePe Launches UPI Payment For Feature Phones Without Internet
The platform allows users to perform peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers and peer-to-merchant (P2M) payments. For feature phones equipped with cameras, the service also supports QR code scanning. Additionally, users can manage accounts, check balances and view transaction histories
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