Making UPI payments could soon be as easy as making a sound with your phone

Three companies, hired by NPCI, are in the process of testing sound-based e-payment technology

A new way to pay is around the corner. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is toying with the idea of introducing sound-based payments as part of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), it is learnt.
 
NPCI is currently in the process of testing sound-based payments with three companies: PhonePe, ToneTag and UltraCash. In the last six months, the pilots have moved from preliminary tests to proof of concept stage where banks are participating with their independent mobile wallet products to see how sound-based payments can be plugged in.
 
Even as UPI has seen a steep rise in