In the UK. SMS were not free to send. In fact, MMS are still not free to send today. This is what WhatsApp solved, instant messaging that uses your data and alas has no additional costs.
Popularity grew, which is why Meta purchased it, and we are now where we are today.
Comment on WhatsApp is officially getting ads
LettyWhiterock@lemmy.world 1 day ago
What app?
Really though, what was the main use for this kind of chat app? Genuinely since I assume there is one, I just don’t know it since I never had a reason to use it. Was it encrypted? Cause I get using specifically encrypted messaging systems, but if it’s not, was it that good of an option over other chat apps?
swarfega@feddit.uk 1 day ago
vaionko@sopuli.xyz 1 day ago
It was SMS, but better. It has been the message platform of choice for pretty much everyone in my country for well over a decade, not as many options existed back then.
tzrlk@lemmy.world 1 day ago
I hate how every single messaging app with SMS integration eventually drops it, sending me back to whatever stock bullshit came with my phone.