Wire · technology
Digital Payments without Internet: PhonePe Launches UPI Service for Feature Phones
◆ Sectors
◆ Geography
◆ Source
◆ Verified
Fusion42 · 31 August 2026 · Fusion42 review
PhonePe has launched a new SMS-based UPI payment service, 123Pay, aimed at over 200 million feature phone users in India, enabling digital payments without internet connectivity. The service supports peer-to-peer and merchant payments, includes AI-powered multilingual support, and is pre-installed on devices from major manufacturers.
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 can now reach hundreds of millions in India who lack internet by supporting SMS-based UPI payments on feature phones. PhonePe removes a key barrier for digital transactions, opening a vast untapped market for payments and financial services.
◆ Coverage
20 sources · first reported 31 Aug 2026 · latest 13 Sep 2026
◆ Topics