India, Aug. 31 -- Walmart-owned fintech major PhonePe has launched UPI payments for feature phones, mobile phones that handle basic calling and text messaging, enabling them to make digital transactions without requiring an internet connection.

With the launch, PhonePe claimed to have become the first major third-party application provider (TPAP) to extend UPI payments to feature phone users at scale.

The company said that its new service, dubbed PhonePe UPI 123Pay, will bring UPI capabilities to more than 20 Cr feature phone users in the country.

The service will come pre-installed on feature phones manufactured by Nokia, HMD, Lava International and Itel Mobile, which is owned by Transsion Holdings. PhonePe said it plans to add more h...