Today marks the first step in the tentative and possibly-doomed alliance between Chinese telecoms and WeChat, the OTT chat app that’s destroying their text messaging revenues. As of right now — the minute this post is published — China Unicom users nationwide* can purchase a special WeChat SIM card and access the app even if they don’t have a regular 3G subscription through the telco.
The card doesn’t just allow use of the wireless web for chatting, though, it also will allow users to use other data-heavy aspects of the app, including playing games, sending stickers, and making payments online. Users who purchase it can choose from a variety of plans, which run between 30 and 60 RMB ($5-$10) per month although other fees apply, including and up-front price for the card itself. Pricing details can be found in Chinese here.
We’ve known this was coming for a few weeks, but it remains to be seen how consumers will react now that the new plan is actually available. Sina Tech has a report citing industry sources as saying that sales are expected to be impressive.
*Since the card is being offered by Guangdong China Unicom, it may not be available in Unicom stores nationwide, but it can be ordered online here and will apparently ship nationwide.
(via Sina Tech)
Stay updated on the go with our mobile app.
Get latest insights with smoother, more personalized experience through TIA mobile app.
