adminCharity Ruzvidzo Business Reporter
MOBILE operators in the country have described the recent introduction of voice calls by WhatsApp, a popular international mobile application, as a big opportunity for them to increase revenue.
WhatsApp voice calling is a feature that allows one to make voice calls using data or Wi-Fi. The feature can be activated by receiving a call from an active user.
In Zimbabwe WhatsApp calls are available with Android and have the latest version of WhatsApp. The feature offers a good service mainly to those on high speed Wi-Fi connection.
Telecel spokesperson Francis Chimanda said the new application was a welcome development for mobile subscribers.
“Telecel doesn’t view over-the-top (OTT) mobile applications like WhatsApp and the possible introduction of WhatsApp calling as a threat to our business,” he said.
“Our considered view is that mobile applications are here to stay and that they present alternative sources of revenue via data usage.
“As a business we’ve already started catering for mobile applications by providing Facebook and WhatsApp bundles. Mobile applications are a welcome innovation that allows our customers to communicate, which is our core business.”
Econet corporate communications manager Rangarirai Mberi also hailed the new technology. “We see it as an opportunity to offer new possibilities for our customers. As we’ve said before, this trend from traditional income streams such as voice is something that Econet had long anticipated,” said Mberi.
“This is why we then took a strategic decision to invest in data services and many other innovative overlay services. It’s a strategy that is already bearing fruit for the company and our customers.”
Until recently, WhatsApp only allowed users to send text messages to their contacts alongside sharing of files including images, music and videos.
Applications like Skype and Viber also offer voice calling services.
Online Reporter