As mobile phone usage starts to take the place of its landline counterpart, consumers are in search of inexpensive ways to communicate with friends and relatives across the globe. With VoIP being the global phenomenon that it is, text messaging and long-distance calls have seen a decrease over mobile networks as free VoIP services are more easily available. This is where Viber is taking its stance against Skype (News - Alert), which has long touted itself as the inexpensive VoIP option without having to commit to a specific provider.
Where Viber differs is price, that’s because there is none. Viber was created for the mobile phone, whereas Skype took some time before it could adapt itself to the mobile platform. However, Viber’s latest PC update means that Viber has done the opposite; it has transcended the mobile threshold and with a PC option, Skype has something to worry about.
While you can only call people using Viber with this app for free, you can call anyone using Skype, at nominal rates. Granted, the rates of Skype are very little when you compare it with traditional landline rates or mobile costs. Skype is more widely used since this isn’t its first rodeo, but the update gives Viber some legs to stand on.
The quick rise in popularity of Viber, can be attributed to the fact that it is available for mobile devices and PCs. This has largely contributed to the many users Viber has amassed in the few years it has been in operation.
The fact that Viber has been able to gain such a large user-base in a very short period makes it probably the biggest threat to Skype and other VoIP service providers. Not to mention Skype is losing its monopoly in the “free voice and video calling” arena.
The VoIP market has always been controlled by intense competition as there are numerous apps offering similar services as Skype. With the number of apps in the market constantly looking to increase, developers keep a keen eye on their competitors and work towards releasing updates that outshine their counterparts.
Viber is taking its place as contender against Skype, which means it’s about to get interesting in the free VoIP space.
Edited by Alisen Downey