Forum Discussion
Why is T-mobile charging for WhatsApp international video calls?
I have been noticing increases on my monthly bill lately and called in to verify. The agent told me the extra charge is due to an international call. But guess what: I have been calling my country for years using WhatsApp Video Call and I have never been charged, since I have unlimited data. When I google the question I realize I'm not the only one who has this problem with T-Mobile. On my first call to the billing department the agent told me that international phone calls made through WhatsApp can be charged; she issued a one time courtesy refund to my account though. Then I spoke to a second agent and then a third agent, who both blamed WhatsApp for the issue. Here is what What'sApp says on google about this known issue:
"WhatsApp uses your phone's cellular connection or Wi-Fi network to send and receive messages and calls to your family and friends. As long as you haven't exceeded your mobile data allowance or you're connected to a free Wi-Fi network, your mobile provider shouldn't charge you for messaging or calling over WhatsApp"
I I've been with TMobile for about 15 years, but this issue made me consider taking my business elsewhere, since I video call Brazil everyday using What'sApp. I was offered to have put a block on international calls on my account what I will not do since I must be able to call abroad in case of an emergency. So, in other words they may keep charging me and keep blaming WhatsApp for that. Thanks God they are not the only cellular company over there!
Oh! So the problem is WhatsApp and it does not happen with similar apps, wright? Nope, it's wrong. It happens with Apple FaceTime also. Look at the complaints, see the attachments. And if this problem really happens because of the apps, what I doubt, WHY DON'T T-MOIBLE ADVERTISE A SOLUTION FOR THIS ISSUE AND STOP CHARGING CUSTOMERS THAT FREQUENTLY CALL ABROAD USING WHATSAPP VIDEO OR I-PHONE FACETIME?
Again what can T-Mobile do? There are regulations, and laws stopping T-Mobile doing what you ask. Also T-Mobile has no control on the OS and software you are using to do anything. If you want those FCC regulations and laws from around the world give me a few weeks and I can probably do about 30-40 with actual references for you. It would actually make me giggle you switch and sometime after that switch you get charged because Whatsapp code is trash and people should have already moved away from them long before Meta bought them.
IF you actually THINK about it and not be so emotional about it… Different carriers, Different regions, Different devices. Only thing in common… Whatsapp and software. Signal is a far better alternative and is encrypted end to end. Not to mention their code is open source AND if a problem of bad code happens to where someone gets charged it'll get fixed a lot quicker. Just food for thought.
If you are using cellular data for WhatsApp, that may be what's triggering international phone calls. If you are using wifi, then there shouldn't be any charges since you are not using any data on the TMobile network. You can also try disabling international phone calls.
I believe all cellular carriers in the US have some cases of billing for WhatsApp and other VOIP apps for international calls.
It's how Whatsapp sets up their app. Carriers around the world are not singling out just whatsapp. Notice it doesn't happen with Signal, Vonage, Skype, Duo, or similar apps? They have no problem with cellular on or off and no charges. Whatsapp code has always been trash especially since Meta took over. If signal is weak it will drop the call instead of handing off unlike Whatsapp which will do just that without batting an eye. Just food for thought it has to be coded in that way.
Oh! So the problem is WhatsApp and it does not happen with similar apps, wright? Nope, it's wrong. It happens with Apple FaceTime also. Look at the complaints, see the attachments. And if this problem really happens because of the apps, what I doubt, WHY DON'T T-MOIBLE ADVERTISE A SOLUTION FOR THIS ISSUE AND STOP CHARGING CUSTOMERS THAT FREQUENTLY CALL ABROAD USING WHATSAPP VIDEO OR I-PHONE FACETIME?
Well…it happened again! Even if it is not T-Mobile's fault, they should at least send the customer a text telling there will be a charge for international calls, but they don't. Other junk texts they send all the time: evaluation after customer service calls, special promotions, etc. So, after 15 years, I'm dropping T-Mobile for good. And guess what; Verizon, the best company out there, is cheaper now. They pay $800 on your cell phone when you trade it in and they have a program for calls to other Countries, what I'm getting, so they can never charge me for international calls. And even after adding that, still cheaper than T-Mobile. Good bye T-mobile!!!
Bertrand wrote:
Well…it happened again! Even if it is not T-Mobile's fault, they should at least send the customer a text telling there will be a charge for international calls, but they don't. Other junk texts they send all the time: evaluation after customer service calls, special promotions, etc. So, after 15 years, I'm dropping T-Mobile for good. And guess what; Verizon, the best company out there, is cheaper now. They pay $800 on your cell phone when you trade it in and they have a program for calls to other Countries, what I'm getting, so they can never charge me for international calls. And even after adding that, still cheaper than T-Mobile. Good bye T-mobile!!!
you should probably do a tad bit of research before making such claims…
https://community.verizon.com/t5/My-Verizon/Fraudulent-Long-Distance-Charges/m-p/1226761
their search list on this subject alone had quite a few more examples..i snagged the first couple..
Another T-Mobile puppy speaking nonsense. Can you read? They are not claims, they are facts, they happened to me.
Now, about Verizon, they allow you to choose a Country in Latin America for free, where you can call free of charge. So, just in case the call jumps from data to regular calls I'm still ok because regular calls to Brazil are free of charge.
