Soundbox devices face adoption challenge

Many entities such are all set to launch audio-based payment confirmation devices like soundbox to capitalise on the rise in digital payments. But, prevailing challenges relating to connectivity and infrastructure pose major constraints to adoption, say experts.

“One bottleneck that we do see is the connectivity, especially when we go to rural areas and remote areas at large. The other bottleneck is the merchant’s capability to be able to afford the device,” Vivek Lohcheb, head of offline business, PhonePe said, adding that further adoption will hinge on whether lower strata of merchants can afford the device.