Canadians Can Now Make Free Calls Through Facebook Messenger App for Android

By: Zain Nabi  |   March 11th, 2013   |   News, O Canada, Social Media

Facebook has introduced some update in its Messenger app for Android that will enable users in Canada to make free voice calls to their connections in and outside the country. On the face of it, this little update has put the social network in direct competition with many other companies offering the same service.

 

Facebook has already been accessed by a number of smartphone users – using a range of operating systems – in different parts of the world. However, the recent change will cater only those users who are in Canada and using Android-based phones. Canadian Android users can also use the new facility to call people in the U.S. using iOS devices.

 

According to different analysts, the move from Facebook could significantly alter the users’ priorities in the days to come. Many also believe that it would give tough time to other companies in the market. Tom Simonite of Technology Review notes:

 

“The new feature puts the company in direct competition with other call providers such as Skype (owned by Facebook ally Microsoft) and cellphone networks. Facebook is already the most-popular app or service on both Android and iOS smartphones. A voice calling feature could significantly eat into usage of both regular phone calls and other Internet calling services such as Skype, particularly if Facebook makes it possible to call any number.”

 

Meanwhile, Josh Constine at TechCrunch has presented an even detailed view, relating the upgrade by Facebook with the social network’s plans to capture emerging markets. He writes:

 

“But the real play here is eventually using free VoIP to lure users in emerging international markets. Facebook is depending on growth in places like India, Brazil, and Singapore now that it has saturated spots like the United States and the UK. Right now, many people in emerging markets buy pre-paid minutes for voice calling, but are starting to buy data plans to access email, the web, and Facebook. What if Facebook could minimize the voice minutes these users have to buy by offering VoIP that’s free beyond the cost of data usage? Suddenly Facebook goes from a nice way to connect with friends to a critical communication service that saves them money.”