There's A SIM That Lets You Access WhatsApp Without A Data Connection In 150 Countries
One company is stepping in with a specialized SIM that promises to provide unlimited WhatsApp usage.
By Sadho Ram — 30 Jan 2015, 12:11 PM — Updated almost 10 years ago
WhatsApp's popularity around the world is undoubted. And while it's a free alternative to text messaging, the need for a mobile-data package or Wi-Fi signal to connect is kind of a downer.
But not anymore. Thanks to a company selling a new SIM card, users can now use and send unlimited WhatsApp messages all over the world and without the need for a data plan or Wi-Fi signal.
The new SIM card is called WhatSim. It slides into your phone like a regular SIM card, but that's where the similarities end.
Say hello to “WhatSim”, a SIM card dedicated for WhatsApp and keeps you connected to the chat app anywhere you are in the world (in 150 countries around the world at least) for only €10 (RM41) a year.
lowyat.netThe company says it can connect to 400 carrier networks in 150 countries, and automatically latches on to the nearest one. For €10 you get unlimited WhatsApp text messaging.
technobuffalo.comYou don’t have to scout around for free Wi-Fi just to send a message to your friends, WhatSim has partnered with over 400 operators, and will automatically search for a new provider depending on where you are, so you can stay connected on WhatsApp all the time
lowyat.net
While WhatSim keeps you connected to WhatsApp anywhere you are in the world for only RM41 a year, there's a catch to it
The €10 (RM41) yearly payment is only applicable for text messages, locations and contacts. Should you wish to send pictures, videos and even audio clips to your friends, you’ll need to buy additional credits – €5 (RM20) for 1000 credits.
lowyat.netHow much credit does it take to send a multimedia file? Well, it depends on your zone. WhatSim has four different zones.
However where multimedia exchange such as Photos, Videos, Audio Clips are concerned, it will require users to recharge and the number of credits you require to share this content will depend on which zone your country falls into, says WhatSim.
firstpost.com
WhatSim has four different zones, and sending a photo could take up to 200 credits each (minimum 20 credits for zone 1), while videos ranges from 100 credits to 800 credits, and voice messages ranging from 5 credits to 40 credits each. That’s not all, videos and voice messages are charged for a standard length of 10 seconds, so if you have anything longer, they’re charged in multiples of 10 seconds – that adds up to a lot if you ask me.
lowyat.netFortunately, Malaysia is located in Zone 1, where it's the cheapest to send multimedia files
Malaysia is located in Zone 1, along with popular countries like France, Hong Kong, Korea, New Zealand, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States and more. It takes 20 credits to send one photo, 100 credits for a 10 second or less video, and 5 credits for one audio clip of 10 seconds or less.
lowyat.netCrucially, there are no roaming charges whatsoever. Travellers will be able to use the WhatSim card in 150 countries without any roaming fees - and without having to find a Wi-Fi hotspot. Calls are routed via WhatsApp, the hit messaging service with 700 million users worldwide - which means that you can only communicate with others with Whatsapp.
yahoo.comWhatSim isn't directly affiliated with WhatsApp or Facebook. However, it is compatible with all unlocked smartphones.
WhatSim was released a couple of days ago by the Italian company Zeromobile and its founder, Manuel Zanella.
clapway.com
Manuel Zanella Rngineer, Founder and CEO of Zeromobile said, "WhatsApp is the future of mobile communications. Its only "limit" is the data connection especially when you are traveling because the roaming charges are expensive and you can't always find Wi-Fi everywhere and it is not always free. As someone who appreciates and uses WhatsApp, I tried to figure out how to get around this problem. That's why WhatSim is an extraordinary opportunity for WhatsApp."
In short, WhatSim could very well represent a breakthrough in truly free international mobile communication. It’s a product any progressive traveler would do well to keep an eye on.
clapway.com