Wire · technology
PhonePe brings UPI payments to feature phones without internet
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Fusion42 · 31 August 2026 · Fusion42 review
PhonePe has introduced UPI payment capabilities on certain feature phones via an SMS-based system, enabling transactions without internet access on devices from brands including Nokia, HMD, Lava, and Itel, with plans to expand support to more devices.
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
PhonePe has opened a new payments channel that bypasses the internet, expanding digital payments to millions without smartphones. You can tap into underserved customers now reachable through SMS UPI on legacy devices.
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20 sources · first reported 31 Aug 2026 · latest 13 Sep 2026
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