WhatsApp has replaced the PSTN in many countries. Without it, you cannot contact businesses; they simply do not answer normal phone calls. Also, booking accommodation over the internet may require WhatsApp in order to receive self-check-in information, and if you manage to communicate to the accommodation that you don’t have WhatsApp, it may simply cancel your reservation unilaterally.

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graemep 4 hours ago | parent [-]

Even where its not required, it can be a lot cheaper (e.g. for international calls) and has features (conference calls) not offered by consumer phones.

Whatsapp's success has partly been driven by telecoms companies over-charging.

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jmpman 11 minutes ago | parent | next [-]

I recently made a phone call from the US to UK. I was horrified to find that my unlimited calling didn't apply to that international route. Really?!? Countries should be fighting to remove those fees. I can call Mexico or Canada without any additional cost, so it can be done. I'd originally proposed starting a business with the UK gentleman, but this is likely the first of many regulations which will tax me.

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thisislife2 4 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Telecoms financed and built the communication infrastructure which made the internet (and thus, WhatsApp) possible. WhatsApp is also further subsidised because you also pay for the internet to use it.

	▲	graemep 3 hours ago \| parent [-]
		I pay for an internet connection anyway. Even if I use a pay as you go mobile connection (on which the telco makes a profit) its still a lot cheaper to use Whatsapp than either SMS or voice calls. There is no subsidy, its telecoms companies making a ridiculously high margin (aimed by regulators in some countries) on some services.

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kgwxd an hour ago | parent | prev [-]

There are thousands, maybe millions, of alternatives to Whatsapp for that purpose.

	▲	Rygian 14 minutes ago \| parent [-]
		It's way too late for alternatives now, unless regulation is created to break the monopoly.