The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is reportedly developing a shared, interoperable infrastructure for soundboxes to support Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments across multiple apps. According to an ET report citing people familiar with the discussions, the proposed framework would allow merchants to use a single soundbox regardless of which payment application customers choose for transactions.
The initiative could significantly simplify digital payment acceptance for retailers and small businesses, where soundboxes have become a common fixture. Instead of relying on separate devices linked to different QR codes, merchants may soon be able to manage all transaction alerts through one interoperable system.
One person aware of the development explained in the report that merchants would only need to register the soundbox with one payment application while connecting multiple QR codes to the same setup. Under the proposed model, payment confirmations would continue to be announced through a single soundbox, irrespective of the platform used for the transaction.
Multiple Devices Could Soon Become Redundant
At present, merchants often use QR codes issued by several payment providers such as PhonePe, BharatPe, and Paytm. Since these systems are generally tied to their own soundboxes, shopkeepers frequently end up maintaining multiple devices and subscriptions. “But now with an interoperable soundbox, a merchant can accept payment from any QR code and use the same device for the settlement service,” the person added in the report.
The move could reduce operational costs for merchants, many of whom currently spend between Rs 100 and Rs 150 per month for each soundbox subscription. Industry executives believe a common platform would lower this recurring expense while making payment acceptance more seamless.
UPI Growth Makes Soundboxes Increasingly Important
NPCI data for March 2026 showed that consumers made nearly 14 billion UPI to merchants, while total UPI transactions crossed 22 billion during the month. A substantial share of these payments happens at physical retail outlets, where soundboxes instantly confirm successful transactions through audio alerts.
These devices have become especially popular among merchants with high customer traffic because they reduce the risk of fraud and provide immediate confirmation of payment receipt.
“Soundboxes have become very popular among merchants, especially for those who have a very heavy footfall. If NPCI can build a common standard for all, then this will be a big positive for the ecosystem,” said the second person in the report.