WhatsApp prepares to defend operators

By Dane Avanzi

With over 800 million users worldwide, WhatsApp, a phenomenon in the applications market generically called OTT – Over the Top, far from giving the impression that
It reached its apogee. On the contrary, it shows that still has much ability to grow. Not bad for an application launched in 2009, only the iOS version.

Acquired by Mark Zuckerberg in early 2014 for $ 16 billion, WhatsApp is now facing the greatest challenge in its history: confronted with the fury of the mobile phone companies – and their political and financial power – which has lost revenues from voice calls and sending SMS’s, for application account. Now with version also for the web, WhatsApp intends to further expand its space in the attention of users who can access your account also of your personal computer.

With the DNA of innovation in the veins, WhatsApp is preparing for battle further improving. Launched last week an update for smartphones Android and iOS platform with many features that make the application more practical and functional users. Among the main, the new tools allow the user to make changes the conversation with specific contacts and reduce the use of data on calls when you are in areas with bad signal. The new version of the application also brought the correction of some errors.

Aside from the aforementioned improvements, WhatsApp is preparing for a possible blockage of its services by mobile operators. Apparently, the first country that may impose limitations is Italy, since the software translation team that country received requests to add phrases in the Italian version of the application, warning the possible restriction.

Here in Brazil, the former Minister of Communications Ricardo Berzoini, positioned himself in favor of telecommunications companies and against WhatsApp, claiming that the application did not generate foreign exchange for the exchequer. Such thinking, and is disconnected from reality is sofismático, considering all the data plans of users consumers indirectly pay all Fistel rates, inherent activation and enjoyment of the service. Rightly, the president of Anatel, John Resende, ranked WhatsApp as value added service, and its use is mere offshoot of use, enjoyment and enjoyment of the contracted service. Ie, regular exercise of user rights.
Luckily for the users satisfied with the quality of service, technology and innovation proceed independent of bureaucracy and concern of the political class in general about the welfare of the Brazilian people. It asserts that the titans of innovation, has in its primary thought to do something to improve the lives of people, and profit from their success, but the consequence of a virtuous circle.

Perhaps one day, the state now unable to guarantee basic rights to the Brazilian citizen, rediscover their way to remember the purpose for which it was created, which
is the common welfare. I dare to think that the titans of innovation has much to teach the Brazilian political class when it comes to ethics, meritocracy and competence. Is that why innovation bothers both some sectors of Brazilian politics?

Dane Avanzi’s lawyer, telecommunications entrepreneur and president of Aerbras – Association of Radio Communication Companies in Brazil.