Airtel Payments Bank has partnered with Hitachi Payment Services to deploy an end-to-end Soundbox solution across India. The initiative aims to accelerate digital payment adoption by empowering merchants with secure, multilingual audio confirmation devices. The partnership supports the full merchant lifecycle, from onboarding to real-time analytics and settlements.
Soundbox Revolution: Airtel Payments Bank and Hitachi Expand Digital Payments Infrastructure
In a strategic move to boost digital payment adoption across India, Airtel Payments Bank has announced a partnership with Hitachi Payment Services to roll out a comprehensive Soundbox solution. The initiative, unveiled on October 13, 2025, is designed to enhance merchant acceptance and simplify transactions for millions of users.
Key Highlights from the Partnership Announcement:
End-to-End Deployment Model
The Soundbox solution will be deployed nationwide, covering the entire merchant lifecycle.
Services include onboarding, training, device deployment, payment processing, real-time analytics, and settlements.
Multilingual Audio Confirmation
The Soundbox device provides instant audio alerts confirming transactions in multiple Indian languages, improving accessibility and trust for merchants and customers alike.
Merchant Empowerment Focus
The initiative aims to empower small and medium businesses with a secure and reliable payment platform.
Merchants benefit from real-time feedback, reducing transaction errors and enhancing customer experience.
Technology Integration
The Soundbox leverages Hitachi’s advanced payment infrastructure and Airtel’s digital banking network to deliver seamless service.
The device also serves as a promotional tool, enabling businesses to engage customers more effectively.
Digital Payment Acceleration
The partnership is expected to significantly expand digital payment acceptance, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
It aligns with India’s broader goal of financial inclusion and cashless economy growth.
Industry Impact
With this rollout, Airtel Payments Bank strengthens its position in the merchant payment ecosystem, competing with other fintech players offering similar solutions.
Hitachi Payment Services reinforces its role as a leading end-to-end commerce solutions provider in India.
This collaboration marks a major step forward in India’s digital payment journey, offering merchants a smarter, faster, and more inclusive way to transact.
Sources: Hitachi Payments, Times of India, CIOL