Mobile Finance

India’s Jio to bring banking to feature phones 

India’s Bank of Baroda and leading mobile operator Reliance Jio have announced a partnership to launch bob World Lite, described as the first comprehensive mobile banking app designed specifically for feature phone users, on the JioPhone Prima 4G device.

Said to be in line with the vision of the both the government and the Reserve Bank of India to promote inclusivity and make digital payments accessible to feature phone users, this initiative aims to brings seamless and comprehensive digital banking access to millions across the country.

The app will be available to both existing Bank of Baroda customers and also to customers of any other bank through a self-onboarding process.

Unlike conventional mobile banking apps that only work on smartphones, the bob World Lite app has been built to provide a comprehensive suite of everyday banking services on affordable feature phones, thereby, it is claimed, expanding its reach across semi-urban and rural India. It features a lightweight, low bandwidth architecture with keypad navigation and secure access, making digital banking simple, seamless and accessible.

The bob World Lite mobile banking app currently offers functionalities such as UPI-enabled scan & pay and send money, bill payments & recharges, and profile management, with more features to be introduced.

Under the partnership, the app will come pre-loaded on JioPhone Prima 4G devices and will be accessible directly from the home screen. Existing JioPhone Prima 4G device users can access the bob World Lite app from JioStore.

Dr Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Baroda, explains: “With a large and growing base of feature phone users in India, this initiative enables simple, secure and anytime banking while helping to bridge the digital divide. This initiative also opens up opportunities for us to onboard and engage with a wider customer base, reinforcing our commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth.”

Leveraging Jio’s digital reach and presence across the country and Bank of Baroda’s strong nationwide footprint, diverse customer base and commitment to inclusive, accessible, and affordable banking, the parters say the initiative is expected to significantly expand the reach of digital banking services across India.



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