Wire · technology
No smartphone, no internet? PhonePe launches new UPI service for feature phone users
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Fusion42 · 1 September 2026 · Fusion42 review
PhonePe has launched UPI 123Pay, an SMS-based digital payment service for feature phone users in India, enabling transactions without internet access and partnering with handset makers to pre-install the app. This aims to bring over 300 million new users into the digital payment ecosystem, supporting peer-to-peer transfers, QR code payments, and bank account management.
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's move opens a large untapped user base on feature phones to digital payments without internet access. You can now target millions in India who lack smartphones or reliable data for digital financial services.
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20 sources · first reported 31 Aug 2026 · latest 13 Sep 2026
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