One thing harming voice calling more than WhatsApp in South Africa MyBroadband
The Real Threat to Voice Calls in South Africa: An Expert Weighs In
Voice communication is evolving, and while WhatsApp calls get a lot of the blame, a deeper dive reveals other meaningful factors affecting traditional voice calling in South Africa. We sat down with telecoms analyst, Dr. Evelyn Reed, to discuss thes trends and what they mean for consumers and the industry.
Time.news Editor: Dr.Reed, thank you for joining us. Recent reports suggest something other than WhatsApp is significantly impacting voice call usage in South Africa. Could you elaborate?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Absolutely. while Over-the-Top (OTT) services like WhatsApp definitely play a role, the high cost of data in South Africa is a major inhibitor to voice calls over mobile networks.Many South Africans simply can’t afford to use data-heavy voice services regularly.
Time.news Editor: So, data costs are the primary culprit? How do they compare to traditional voice call rates?
Dr.Evelyn Reed: In many cases, making a standard voice call is frequently enough cheaper than using the equivalent amount of data for a WhatsApp call. This is especially true for those on prepaid plans or without consistent access to Wi-Fi.The perceived cost-effectiveness of standard calls, coupled with network reliability, makes them a viable option for many.
Time.news Editor: That’s surprising. We often hear about the dominance of WhatsApp. What are the implications of high data costs on different demographics?
dr. Evelyn Reed: It disproportionately affects low-income communities. They might prefer voice calls due to their lower upfront data investment. Essentially, they’re forced to choose between staying connected via text or limited data usage versus making essential voice calls. Affordable data plans are crucial for greater digital inclusion.
Time.news Editor: What about businesses? How are they adapting to these trends in the voice communication landscape?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Businesses are increasingly adopting VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) solutions to reduce communication costs.However, reliable and affordable internet access is still a barrier for many smaller enterprises. Even call centers are exploring options to optimize data usage while maintaining high-quality voice services [2].
Time.news Editor: Are there any technological advancements that could help alleviate this issue?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Yes, innovations like zero-rated services, where specific apps or websites are accessible without data charges, could provide solutions. Also, improvements in data compression technologies for voice calls can reduce the amount of data consumed.
Time.news Editor: What practical advice can you offer our readers looking to minimize their voice communication costs in South Africa?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Frist, compare voice call rates and data bundles from different mobile network operators. Look for promotions and special offers tailored to your usage patterns. Secondly, leverage free Wi-Fi hotspots whenever possible for data-intensive activities. explore alternatives like Wi-Fi calling, which allows you to make voice calls over a Wi-Fi network using your mobile number. Actively managing your usage and exploring alternative options can make a significant difference.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Reed, this has been incredibly insightful. Thank you for shedding light on the real challenges impacting voice calling in South Africa.
Dr. Evelyn Reed: My pleasure. It’s crucial to understand the underlying economic factors to promote more equitable and accessible communication for all.
