In today’s digital age, staying connected with friends, family, and colleagues from around the world has become easier than ever. With the advent of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology, making calls has become more affordable and convenient. One of the most popular VoIP services is Viber, a messaging app that allows users to make voice and video calls, send messages, and share media content. But the question remains: are all Viber calls free?
Understanding Viber’s Free Call Policy
Viber, developed by Viber Media, is a cross-platform messaging app that offers free calls, messaging, and file-sharing services to users. The app uses the internet to make voice and video calls, which means that users only need a stable internet connection to make calls. This is in stark contrast to traditional mobile networks, which charge users per minute or per call.
Viber’s free call policy is based on the principle of peer-to-peer (P2P) communication, where users can make calls to other Viber users without incurring any charges. This means that as long as both parties have a stable internet connection and the Viber app installed on their devices, they can make unlimited free calls.
Limitations To Viber’s Free Calls
While Viber offers free calls to other Viber users, there are some limitations to this policy. Viber is not entirely free, and users may incur charges under certain circumstances. Here are some scenarios where Viber calls may not be free:
Calling Non-Viber Users
One of the primary limitations to Viber’s free call policy is that users can only make free calls to other Viber users. If a user wants to call a non-Viber user, they will need to use Viber Out, a paid service that allows users to make calls to non-Viber numbers. Viber Out rates vary depending on the destination and the user’s location, but they are generally cheaper than traditional mobile network rates.
Viber Out Rates
Viber Out rates are competitive with traditional mobile networks, but they can add up quickly. For example, a 10-minute call to a landline in the United States could cost around $2.50. While this is still cheaper than traditional mobile networks, it’s not entirely free.
Data Charges
Another limitation to Viber’s free call policy is that users may incur data charges when making calls. While Viber uses the internet to make calls, users still need a data plan or Wi-Fi connection to access the internet. Depending on the user’s data plan and internet speed, they may incur data charges when making Viber calls.
Data charges can add up quickly, especially if users make frequent or long-duration calls. For example, a 10-minute Viber call could use up to 12 MB of data, depending on the call quality and internet speed. If users have a limited data plan, they may incur additional charges for excess data usage.
Viber’s Business Model
Despite offering free calls to Viber users, Viber generates revenue through various channels. Here are some ways Viber makes money:
Viber Out
As mentioned earlier, Viber Out is a paid service that allows users to make calls to non-Viber numbers. Viber generates revenue from Viber Out calls, which are subject to per-minute or per-call rates.
In-App Purchases
Viber offers in-app purchases, such as Viber stickers, emojis, and premium features like Viber Out credits. These in-app purchases generate revenue for Viber.
Advertising
Viber displays ads within the app, which generate revenue based on the number of impressions and clicks. These ads are usually targeted based on user behavior and demographics.
Comparison With Other Messaging Apps
Viber is not the only messaging app that offers free calls. Other popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Facebook Messenger also offer free calls to users. Here’s a brief comparison of Viber’s free call policy with other messaging apps:
| Messaging App | Free Calls | Data Charges | Paid Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viber | Free calls to Viber users | Data charges may apply | Viber Out, in-app purchases |
| Free calls to WhatsApp users | Data charges may apply | None | |
| Skype | Free calls to Skype users | Data charges may apply | Skype Credit, Skype Premium |
| Facebook Messenger | Free calls to Facebook Messenger users | Data charges may apply | None |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Viber offers free calls to Viber users, there are limitations to this policy. Users may incur charges when calling non-Viber users, using Viber Out, or incurring data charges. However, Viber’s free call policy remains a competitive advantage in the messaging app market, attracting millions of users worldwide. By understanding the limitations and nuances of Viber’s free call policy, users can make the most of this popular messaging app.
The key takeaway is that Viber calls are free, but only under certain circumstances. As long as users are aware of the limitations and potential charges, they can enjoy unlimited free calls with friends, family, and colleagues around the world.
What Is Viber And How Does It Work?
Viber is a popular messaging app that allows users to make voice and video calls, send texts, and share media with others. It works by using internet connectivity, such as Wi-Fi or mobile data, to connect users from all over the world. This means that as long as you have an internet connection, you can use Viber to communicate with others, regardless of your location.
Unlike traditional phone calls, which use cellular networks, Viber calls are made over the internet, which can be more cost-effective and convenient. Viber uses VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology to enable voice and video calls, and it also offers end-to-end encryption, which means that all conversations are secure and private.
Are Viber Calls Really Free?
Viber calls are free as long as you have an internet connection. This means that you won’t be charged by Viber for making calls to other Viber users, whether they are local or international. However, it’s important to note that if you are using mobile data to make calls, your mobile provider may charge you for data usage.
It’s also worth noting that while Viber calls are free, they may not be completely free of cost. If you are using public Wi-Fi or mobile data to make calls, you may incur additional charges from your internet service provider or mobile operator. Additionally, if you are calling a landline or mobile number that is not a Viber user, you may be charged by Viber for the call.
Can I Make Calls To Non-Viber Users?
Yes, Viber allows you to make calls to non-Viber users, but this may incur additional charges. Viber offers a feature called Viber Out, which enables users to make calls to landline or mobile numbers that are not registered with Viber. However, this feature is not free, and you will be charged by Viber for each call.
The rates for Viber Out calls vary depending on the country and the type of number you are calling. You can check Viber’s website for the latest rates, but in general, calls to landline numbers tend to be cheaper than calls to mobile numbers. It’s also worth noting that Viber Out calls are subject to certain limitations and restrictions, so be sure to review the terms and conditions before using this feature.
How Does Viber Make Money If Calls Are Free?
Viber makes money through various revenue streams, including Viber Out calls, advertising, and stickers. As mentioned earlier, Viber Out calls are not free, and Viber charges users for making calls to non-Viber users. Additionally, Viber displays ads within the app, which generates revenue for the company.
Viber also sells stickers, which are fun and expressive emojis that users can send to each other. While stickers are not essential to using Viber, they are a popular feature among users, and Viber earns revenue from sticker sales. Overall, Viber’s business model is designed to generate revenue from a variety of sources, while still offering free calls and messaging to users.
Is Viber Secure And Private?
Yes, Viber is a secure and private messaging app that takes the privacy and security of its users seriously. Viber uses end-to-end encryption, which means that all conversations, including voice and video calls, texts, and media sharing, are fully encrypted and cannot be intercepted or accessed by third parties.
Viber’s encryption is based on the Signal Protocol, which is widely regarded as one of the most secure encryption protocols available. This means that only the sender and the recipient can read or listen to the contents of the conversation, and no one else, including Viber itself, can access or intercept the data.
Can I Use Viber For Business?
Yes, Viber can be used for business communications, and it offers several features that make it a popular choice among businesses. Viber offers a feature called Viber Business, which enables businesses to communicate with customers and clients more effectively. With Viber Business, companies can create a public presence on Viber, which allows customers to contact them directly.
Viber Business also offers advanced features, such as chatbots, APIs, and integrations with CRM systems, which enable businesses to automate customer support, manage customer interactions, and improve customer engagement. Additionally, Viber Business offers analytics and insights, which help businesses track customer interactions and measure the effectiveness of their communication strategies.
Is Viber Available On All Devices?
Viber is available on most devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. Viber offers mobile apps for Android and iOS devices, as well as desktop apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux. This means that you can use Viber on multiple devices, and sync your conversations and contacts across all devices.
Viber also offers a web version, which allows you to access Viber from any web browser, without the need to download or install any software. This makes it easy to use Viber on any device, regardless of the operating system or platform. Overall, Viber’s cross-platform compatibility makes it a convenient and flexible communication solution for users.