First, the good news: WhatsApp has started rolling out its voice calling feature for Android users. Now, the not-so-good news is that the company has closed the window for the by-invitation-only feature.
The phone-number based social networking site started testing out the feature this month, and according to BGR India, it even rolled out an app update for Android users. According to BGR India, users with WhatsApp version 2.11.528 who saw the caller icon on their app could make a call to their friends and pass on the invite. However, only a limited number of activations were released and users are no longer able to pass on the feature.
Incidentally, Hike launched its free voice calling feature earlier this month.
Mobile operators have been demanding that OTT players such as Hike, WhatsApp, Line and Skype should be brought under regulation.
OTT players use VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, to let their users make free calls. TRAI, the telecom regulator, has begun a pre-consultation process regarding OTT players and is likely to come out with a draft paper soon.
Bharti Airtel recently proposed to charge extra for voice calls made over the Internet using applications such as Skype, Viber and Hike, but it later dropped the plans following an outcry on social media.