Wire · technology
Digital payments without internet: PhonePe launches UPI service for feature phones
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Fusion42 · 31 August 2026 · Fusion42 review
PhonePe launched UPI 123Pay to enable digital payments on feature phones without internet using SMS-based technology, partnering with major feature phone brands in India to target over 200 million non-smartphone users.
This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Fintech, and 20 sources have reported it between 31 Aug 2026 and 13 Sep 2026.
◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
You need to rethink digital payment strategies to include users without internet access, as PhonePe's SMS-based UPI service opens over 200 million feature phone users to seamless transactions. This unlocks a massive market previously unreachable with smartphone-centric apps.
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20 sources · first reported 31 Aug 2026 · latest 13 Sep 2026
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