Popular smartphone app WhatsApp, which allows you to message other users on different platforms running the same app at the fraction of the cost of an SMS, has denied sending out any messages stating that it is about to start charging users.
The message reads as follows:
WhatsApp is going to cost us money soon. The only way that it will stay free is if you are a frequent user i.e. you have at least 10 people you are chatting with. To become a frequent user send this message to 10 people who receive it (2 ticks) and your WhatsApp logo should turn Red to indicate a frequent user.
WhatsApp has responded on their blog after they got numerous emails from users of the smartphone app about hoax message doing the round on the instant message application, stating that this is a hoax and there is no truth to it.
Another hoax message has now also started doing the rounds, this time stating that WhatsApp will be shutting down on 28 Jan and if you do not forward the message to your contacts you will be deemed inactive and your account will be deleted withing 48 hours.
WhatsApp will not be shutting down any time soon, nor will they start charging you if you do not forwards messages to your contacts, if they really wanted to contact other WhatsApp users don’t you think they can just simply message you directly?
Except WhatsApp do charge. There’s an annual fee of $2 for the service, just had to pay about a month ago.
That’s weird Duane, I am aware of the fee after 1 year, but last year just before my expiry date I got a message from whatsapp saying that they have extended it. Now on my iPhone there is no mention of any fees or expiry date.
Why is whatsapp charging me. I have been using it since October last year……..other people dont get charged….why is this….I have to buy airtime on a daily basis
Hi Lee, they are not charging you, WhatsApp does make use of your cellphone’s data to be able to send and receive message. This does work out considerably cheaper than sending sms messages but when you start sending and receiving pictures this can become expensive as pictures use allot more data.
I’ve used Whats App successfully on my Nokia for about six months and have now changed to an iPhone (today). Imagine my disappointment when the only way I can download it is through iTunes and it’s not available on the SA site. (It costs iPhone users 99 US cents by the way.) Seriously irritated with Apple …
Tracey see http://www.igeek.co.za/2010/10/18/get-a-us-itunes-account-in-south-africa/ on how to open an US iTunes account. I cant recall that I had to pay $0.99 when I downloaded it but still not that bad priced.