The instant messaging service WhatsApp has announced that it will scrap the $1 fee it charges annually and allow subscribers to use the service free of charge.
WhatsApp scraps $1 subscription fee
CEO and Co- Founder Jan Koum, announced this at the Digital- Life- Design conference in Munich.
He said while more than 900 million people worldwide use the application to stay in touch with family and friends, the $1 a year subscription fee could be a barrier to further growth.
WhatsApp will be finding news ways for businesses to get in touch with users instead of charging customers.
The WhatsApp service is free for a year then subscribers start paying 1 dollar per year afterwards.
The social media network has about 900 million users. Facebook acquired it in 2014 for some $19 billion and doubled its user base over the past year.
Co- Founder Jan Koum, hinted of expanding the service to include video calling.