> Oh right - WhatsApp is already wildly popular in most of the developing world for mostly this reason. Not only that, but carriers will often advertise plans

> Oh right - WhatsApp is already wildly popular in most of the developing world for mostly this reason. Not only that, but carriers will often advertise plans with "unlimited Internet for Facebook and WhatsApp" (a punch in the face of net neutrality). So not only WhatsApp has more impact with audio messages when audio calls are too unstable, audio calls already substitute the bulk of phone calls even for people who have shitty data plans. This is what my carrier says on their most basic offering: > What does WhatsApp Unlimited mean? > The benefit is granted automatically, without the need for activation. And the use of the app is unlimited to send messages, audios, photos, videos, in addition to making voice calls. Only video calls that are discounted from the internet package, as well as access to external links.