Vietnam mobile carriers go from critics to players in free-texting app market

Two leading mobile network operators in Vietnam have officially launched their own free-messaging and calling applications, two years after they bemoaned such apps were taking away part of their earnings.

Vietnamese mobile network carriers repeatedly complained in 2013 that such apps as Viber or WhatsApp, which allow smartphone users to send text messages, make phone calls, and share photos or files for free via the Internet, were eating into their data revenue.

This week saw Viettel, the country’s leading mobile carrier, and third-ranked Vinaphone both introduce their own Viber-rivaling apps, namely Mocha Messenger and Viettalk, respectively.

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