Johannesburg - Fin24 users are unhappy with WhatsApp’s voice call feature despite the instant messaging app introducing a setting that minimises data usage.
The latest version of WhatsApp for Android has a new feature that lets users select a low data usage option for voice calls on the service.
READ: How to make cheaper WhatsApp calls
Lower data usage, of course, risks resulting in poorer quality calling. But the service is aimed at competing against traditional mobile network voice offerings.
However, Fin24 users who have used the WhatsApp voice calling feature say that it is unimpressive.
Fin24 user Douglas wrote:
“I was so excited to finally be able to get away from expensive cellphone call charges. But it simply does not work in SA. Oddly enough if I call the UK, I can sometimes get a decent line, but in SA, the quality of the call is so bad, I can't use it. Now the question is whether the networks have throttled the data speeds for WhatsApp calling, or whether we just have such bad networks in SA anyway. Would be very interested to hear from others, as I am mainly in remote areas with poor signal. I now use Me and You mobile, to save on call charges.”
Fin24 user Anna wrote: “It is difficult to hear the person calling you.”
Fin24 user Stephen said, “The call facility sucks big time and nine out of ten calls flops.”
Fin24 user Cliff also bemoaned the quality of the service: “I have tried calling a few times but not always able to connect and if connected the call drops after a very short time. This happens on both Wi-Fi and mobile data.”
Meanwhile, Fin24 user Lorraine said that while she “loves the idea”, her and her friends rarely used it.
“The echo/delay is awful,” said Lorraine.
And finally, Fin24 user Kenneth further wrote: “The signal is very poor, i think it's still under construction.”