itel adds PhonePe support to 2165C feature phone for payments without internet
The integration aims to extend UPI access to 2G users who rely on basic handsets. The company has not disclosed transaction limits, activation requirements or the service’s rollout schedule.
Representational illustration of PhonePe payment access on a feature phone.
MUMBAI: itel has announced PhonePe support for its 2165C feature phone, enabling users to make digital payments without an internet connection, according to a company statement.
The integration aims to extend access to India’s Unified Payments Interface to consumers who continue to use 2G feature phones for everyday communication.
Arijeet Talapatra, CEO of itel India, said the addition was intended to make everyday transactions more convenient and help feature phone users participate in the digital economy.
The announcement did not explain how users would register, authenticate or complete payments. It also did not specify supported transaction types, limits, charges or whether existing 2165C handsets would receive the capability.
The itel 2165C has a 2-inch display and a 1,200mAh battery, with power-saving features marketed as AI Battery and Super Battery modes. The company claims up to 11.67 hours of talk time and up to 25 days of standby time.
Other features include support for 10 Indian languages, Bluetooth connectivity, expandable memory of up to 32GB, wireless FM radio with recording and automatic call recording.
itel said its Indian distribution and service network covers more than 1.3 lakh retail outlets and over 1,000 service centres.
