It’s hard to think of instant messaging as a paid service, as platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram have thrived in part because they’re free. This didn’t happen in the early days of smartphones; BlackBerry is a good example: access to BBM required payment for the service, like SMS (messaging itself was unlimited). Although there was a time when WhatsApp was paid, I paid it too five year subscription. In advance.

WhatsApp has become almost indispensable; software that is more widely used than the phone itself. Its communication possibilities are its main appeal, but there is another quality that puts WhatsApp above even SMS: the first is free, included with internet access. But that wasn’t the case initially, I can confirm that.

Paid on iOS; Available for free download and subscription on Android

We have long forgotten that instant messaging comes at a cost to the user: text messages were literally a disaster; Therefore, any service that managed to match SMS in terms of speed and eliminate the return cost was a guarantee of success. Before WhatsApp, This success was achieved with BlackBerry Messenger. It is better known as BBM.

It always surprises me that business smartphones of BlackBerry’s caliber are successful among younger users, despite the fact that the company and the carrier charge for the subscription service (BIS, BlackBerry’s Internet service). Before iPhone and Android became popular, The most sought-after mobile phones had non-touch screens and physical QWERTY keyboards, BlackBerry Curve 8520 and company. There’s a reason for this: All messages will be included in BlackBerry’s Internet service.

I didn’t have a BlackBerry during the BBM boom, and despite the messages, I wasn’t very convinced by the business style. Yes, I bought my first iPhone, then the iPhone 3GS, and my first Android phone, which made me fall in love with the system Google bought: the HTC Magic. WhatsApp came to my phones at a time when almost no one was aware of this application.

iPhone owners bought WhatsApp, Android owners had to subscribe

A year and a half after its launch, when WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton sent me access to the Android beta, I downloaded it on iPhone as well. WhatsApp on iOS has created a paywall for downloads (I bought it in August 2010 for 0.79 euros); On Android the download was free, WhatsApp offered a year free and from then on it was charged 0.89 euros (In the early years, the service cost $1.99.I have receipts from 2010 and 2011).

First year of WhatsApp subscription on Android

Yes, WhatsApp had costs before Facebook bought the app. I remember complaints from users about almost euros having to be paid through the app. about 0.89 euros, which in practice almost no one pays. WhatsApp’s tactic was to extend the payment without actually canceling the service (I don’t know anyone whose WhatsApp was canceled because they didn’t pay the subscription at the time).

Right now, the truth is Facebook Meta’s control of WhatsApp and its use of metadata as a benefit in its dealings with other companies is seen as a negative thing, but when Zuckerberg’s company acquired the messaging app, the outlook was the opposite: It was a great joy that WhatsApp became a 100% free application. We sold our usage by continuing not to pay the annual fee of 0.89 euros. From my perspective, I think we lost.

I paid for five years of WhatsApp two and a half years before it was free

Five-year WhatsApp subscription on Android

And I should add that no one around me pays to apply. I’ve always been of the opinion that good service deserves payment to match, after all, no one works for free (or should). For me, instant messaging is the pillar of our society and the main reason why the smartphone is now a common object. And more: Apps like WhatsApp have made smartphones cheaper to today’s level.

Yes, I paid via WhatsApp and I don’t regret it. I also paid a subscription to Telegram: I believe it is an act of justice to offer developers a direct return if I enjoy the benefits of the application and think it adds value to my daily routine. As long as the price is like that, it’s fair: it was like that on WhatsApp.

Cover image | Ivan Linares

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