WhatsApp to extend yearly subscription model to iOS

Hugely popular mobile messaging platform WhatsApp is looking to make some changes to its pricing structure in the coming months. The service is currently free for the first year and then costs users a $1 yearly recurring fee, except on...

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>" When asked why the company was making the change now, Koum simply said they wanted "to keep things simple.” "
Really, that's what they want to use an an excuse? 'Cause it definately isn't a reason.
Actually they just discovered that they can earn a few bucks more from if they charge everyone for the service. Simple.

Of course they want to make a "few" bucks. Serving 17 Billion Messages isn't made possible without equipment, hardware and loads of manpower.

And 1$ per year isn't really worth quibbling over.

+1. I really don't mind paying for the service at all but the problem I have with Google Play is that they only accept credit cards in South Africa. I don't give out any credit card information AT ALL on the internet. For me, using my credit on the internet is not an option. I hope Google Play introduces alternative methods of payment pretty soon because my years free subscription with Whatsapp is almost up.

What other methods could they realistically provide to people in South Africa?

I dunno... Maybe we could use Pay Pal, maybe it could be debited to our monthly contracts or even debited to air time if you're a prepaid user, maybe we could use debit cards. Hell, maybe we could even barter with blankets & seashells but I'm certainly not giving out any of my credit card information over the internet.