Megafon has figured out how to take more money from subscribers: A new tariff line. What is messenger and how does it work?

We've released a new book, Social Media Content Marketing: How to Get Inside Your Followers' Heads and Make Them Fall in Love with Your Brand.

Subscribe

Messenger is a program that allows users to communicate with each other using messages.


More videos on our channel - learn internet marketing with SEMANTICA

What are instant messengers and how to use them? Let’s look at an example.

Alina is a university student. Active and almost constant communication with friends and classmates is very important for her. To do this, she uses three applications that are installed on her smartphone. Here you can send a message to a group of people at once, and if necessary, send files and photos. It’s convenient to use even in public transport, it’s free – you just need Internet access. WhatsApp, Viber and Facebook messenger have almost completely replaced the previously familiar calls and SMS.

Messenger: what is it

If I had to explain to my grandmother what a messenger is in simple words, I would say that it is a program for connecting users with each other. Messages are sent almost instantly. Applications are developed by different companies and installed on a computer or smartphone. Depending on the functionality of each program, you can simply exchange text messages (like SMS), add pictures - stickers to the correspondence, send files of different formats, communicate in groups, or even make video calls with one or more people.

There are two mandatory conditions for work:

By the way, in some countries there is a ban on instant messengers. The reasons are different. In some places Telegram is banned because its correspondence is closed from government security services, and illegal actions can be carried out through it, including organizing mass unrest. In others, there are certain requirements for the technical aspects of the work. Blocking is a consequence of policies and restrictions on freedom of speech. These and other reasons can cause a particular application to stop working temporarily or permanently.

Let's look at the main popular messengers - what opportunities they provide.

Viber

This messenger shares first place in terms of usage with WhatsApp. It has been working since the end of 2010, installed on 90% of smartphones. The number of its clients has almost reached a billion people. With its help, you can write text messages, organize communication between groups of participants, make calls, and make video calls to subscribers around the world. Sending files, photos, interactive pictures, stickers, geolocation are the functions present in the application. One of the latest innovations is the ability to create a message in which the message cannot be forwarded to others. And after some time, it will remove itself.

In the chat you can rate comments, select an administrator, and configure different graphical interfaces. The program can work from a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Installation and use of the program is free. Contacts for communication from the phone book will be pulled up automatically.

Users consider the large number of advertisements to be the main disadvantage of Viber. It comes in the form of messages from all kinds of taxi services, shops, restaurants and other companies. In this service, in order to send something, you do not need to ask for the recipient’s consent.

whatsapp

The most popular and one of the world's first instant messengers - it is used by more than a billion people. In recent years, popularity has been declining due to the emergence of new programs with expanded functionality. For its use there was a fee of $1 per year, but since 2017 it has become free. Developed in 2010 in the USA. The application is installed on popular operating systems and can be used as an online service.

Key features available on WhatsApp:

  • communication via messages or calls (via the application);
  • group chats;
  • determining and displaying the subscriber's location;
  • integration of contacts from the phone book;
    forwarding contact information to other users;
  • personalization of interface design;
  • custom notifications;
  • forwarding correspondence history by email;
  • sending and receiving photos.

The security of communications via WhatsApp is protected using an end-to-end encryption protocol, which is sufficient for ordinary subscribers.
Among the disadvantages, it can be noted that one account is installed on only one mobile device (in addition, a desktop application), since it is associated with a phone number. According to user reviews, synchronization between the two versions does not always work correctly.

Facebook messenger

The application is developed and linked to the popular social network – Facebook. The user account is linked to the profile in it. One of the advantages of this messenger is multi-accounting - the ability to create several accounts in one application. Moreover, even when working in one profile, you receive notifications about messages in others. Switching between profiles takes seconds.

In terms of popularity, Facebook messenger is one of the world leaders - over a billion people communicate on it. This is due to integration with Facebook. To enter the program you need a login and password from your social network account. The list of contacts consists of phone book data and Facebook friends. New ones can be added through a convenient search option.

Key features of Facebook messenger:

  • correspondence with messages that include links, photos, videos and other information;
  • file sharing;
  • search for other users and groups;
  • location information;
  • calls;
  • notification of new messages and the ability to disable this for the desired time (at night, during business hours).

The main disadvantage is that the service takes up a lot of RAM and actively reduces the battery power of the smartphone.

Telegram

Developed by Pavel Durov, a Russian businessman and programmer. Leads in the number of clients in the Middle East, South America, and some European countries. To register, you will need a mobile phone number.
It differs in functionality from other instant messengers (such as WhatsApp and Viber).

Key features of Telegram:

  • Communicate via text messages and voice calls.
  • Exchange files of different formats with other users.
  • Participate in group chats - up to 200 participants and supergroups - up to 10 thousand participants.
  • Secret chats - information is deleted after a while and is not saved anywhere.
  • Forward dictated voice messages.
  • Create and view channels - recorded or online content on various topics - politics, finance, fashion, education and others.
  • Built-in media player.
  • Store files (unlimited volume and quantity) on a cloud server.
  • Use bots - special programs that can perform a variety of actions - converting files from one format to another, searching for information, weather forecasting and other functions. You can either use existing ones or create your own.

A minimalistic and clear interface of the program, high speed, completely free provision of all functions, synchronization and work on two devices - all this is not a complete list of the advantages of Telegram. This explains its growing popularity around the world. The program works on mobile and desktop devices with operating systems iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Mac OS, Windows and Linux. Moreover, in terms of system resource requirements, the application is very unpretentious.

Telegram is also known as a secure messenger - user correspondence is closed even from government services. Information is not provided upon request, and it cannot be seized by force - the servers are located in different parts of the world and simultaneous access to them is impossible. Without this message it is impossible to completely restore. This was the reason for the ban on the messenger in some countries.
The disadvantages of Telegram include the lack of video calls, communication with technical support in English, and the availability of information about the user - mobile number.

Skype

Operating since 2003.

Key features of Skype:

The application is free and works on both mobile and desktop devices. Moreover, the interface and functionality are almost the same.

The program is completely free.

Signal

The most hack-proof messenger. It was the result of the merger in 2015 of two programs for messages and calls: RedPhone and TextSecure. Uses the security protocol of the same name, Signal Protocol. Data protection is maximum here - you cannot take a screenshot of correspondence.
You can find friends to communicate with and send them invitations using SMS, social networks and email newsletters. The program interface is very clear and minimalistic.

Key features of Signal:

  • text messaging;
  • secret chats – information is deleted according to a set timer;
  • calls.

Signal messenger does not offer users much entertainment, stickers or varied designs. The main thing is communication and security.

Messengers for business

Communication programs are not only for personal purposes. Every year they are increasingly being used to solve business problems. And this is quite understandable. On average, Russians spend 1.5-2 hours daily on social networks and communicating in instant messengers. Messages received via them on a smartphone, according to statistics, are opened within three minutes, while email letters wait three or more hours to be read. Communication programs are installed on smartphones, and their owners are the most solvent and advanced audience. These are the kind of clients businesses need. And communication through the programs people use is one of the most effective ways to reach consumers.

It is beneficial for business to use the services of this communication channel for a number of reasons. Among the main advantages:

  • Reduced service costs - one chat operator can communicate with 5 clients in the time that he would spend on one telephone conversation.
  • Visibility - information that reaches the client through instant messengers is much more understandable than in SMS or simply in conversation. There may be a photo, a collage, a link to the site.
  • Little competition - such methods of working with clients are still relatively new and are not used by many. Information will not be lost among dozens of others.
  • Convenience for the client - you can review the proposal and the company’s response at any convenient time or return to it later. While a phone call may be inappropriate, and an advertisement from a social network or a letter in the mail that arrived a couple of days ago can be difficult to find.

When to use

In what cases will using popular applications produce results? How exactly to use them and for what? Let's take a closer look.

  • Sales - selection, payment and exchange of goods can be organized through this communication channel. Moreover, many functions can be automated using bots. The Chinese messenger WeChat already allows you to make payments for purchases, AliExpress searches for the necessary products using the @alisearchbot robot + product name. Making an appointment with a doctor, booking a hotel, calling a taxi, ordering food at home - these and other options are already working.
  • Consultations and customer support - answers to the most common, non-urgent and standard questions (addresses and opening hours of stores, selection of services).
  • Hotline, reviews – collection of reviews and feedback about the work of a store, cafe, gas station and any other company.
  • Communication within the company - communication between employees, video conferences, meetings, joint resolution of common issues.

How to organize

There are a number of steps that are necessary to implement the idea:

  1. It is worth considering how applicable instant messengers are to the industry in which the company operates. The more a business is represented on the Internet, the better it will work. The result will be worse with the target audience of older people, who are unlikely to appreciate and use the new product.
  2. You need to choose a suitable program. Whether you prefer WhatsApp, Viber or others depends on the country. These programs are the leaders in popularity, although Telegram, Skype, and Facebook Messenger are also popular among clients. The option of an initial launch on several services is worth considering in order to collect statistics and select the most popular ones.
  3. It is necessary to prepare a scenario and work procedure, taking into account service standards, time for communication, and templates for common questions that do not require an individual answer.
  4. Collect a budget. We will have to buy technical equipment and organize salaries for employees.
  5. Implement, train, learn to use new tools.

Communication via instant messengers should not become spam. You should not use them only to send advertisements that can be blocked. It is better to organize a full-fledged communication channel with them for consultation and assistance to consumers. Ideally, there is initiative on their part. To do this, you can indicate on the website or advertising brochures in which application the client can find the company. Contacts can also be sent via SMS or email, if such communication channels have been used previously.

Mobile messengers as a means of communication are a good and promising way to improve customer service. Which increases brand loyalty and increases sales.

Communications between people today have reached the highest level of technology. Advances in computer and mobile developments have made it possible to exchange messages in seconds (or instantly). This allows people to communicate in real time, even while being hundreds of thousands of kilometers away from each other. Using the instant messaging system, you can exchange not only text messages, but also images, sound signals and videos. For communications of this kind, a special client program called Instant Messenger is used. Let's figure out what a messenger is, what it can be, and what opportunities it gives to modern users.

Messenger- from English " courier" or "connected". This is a program, mobile application or web service for instant messaging between users. Most often, a messenger is understood as a program in which you write messages and where you read them. However, behind each such program there is a messaging network, which is also included in the concept of “messenger”. This could be a network within your company, or it could be a global network such as Jabber.

Speed ​​is their main advantage over regular email. Here the message is transmitted at lightning speed, while the mailbox is updated every few minutes. Speaking about what a messenger is, we should clarify an important feature - it is a client program. This means that the program cannot work independently; to use it, you must connect to a server (the central computer of the network).

In the first versions of this kind of programs, the recipient saw the message already at the time of its composition, which was not entirely convenient, since the user could make a mistake, correct it, edit the sentence, and all this was displayed in the dialog window. Today, the text appears on the interlocutor’s screen after it has been completely edited and sent (the Enter or “Send” button). In addition, in modern versions, communication can occur not only through text messages, but also by performing other actions - exchanging graphic, audio and video files, voice and even video communication (for example, Skype).

Every modern person uses at least one, and most often several, instant messengers at the same time. Due to the fact that there are quite a lot of these networks, not all instant messengers are compatible. Those. It’s not a fact that if you have a messenger and your partner has a messenger, you will be able to contact him. The need for different messaging networks is due to the fact that there is no direct connection between them. Each program was created by a separate group of developers, has its own servers and protocols, features and rules of use. For example, a user on the ICQ network cannot communicate directly with someone using Skype or MSN. However, no one forbids having both of them.


Today, there are a number of messengers that are most popular among users. This is Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, MSN, ICQ, AOL, Facebook Messenger, Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, Google Hangouts and others. All of these are Internet messengers that work when connected to the World Wide Web. Messenger can be installed not only on a computer, but also on a mobile device. This became possible with the advent of affordable mobile Internet, as well as with the development of multitasking smartphones. Let's look at the most popular free instant messengers that are designed to work simultaneously on different types of devices.


Google Talk

This is probably the most versatile mobile messenger. It is used in the popular social network Google+ and the built-in Gmail chat. This is an open solution, supported by other clients that work with its protocol (XMPP) - these are QIP, Pidgin, Ya.Online, etc. Google Talk is used in Android to solve many problems, and the user here is always online and can receive messages even when not using chat. At the same time, to work with the messenger you don’t even need to have a Google account; you can communicate through your Yandex profile, for example.

Facebook Messenger

What is Facebook Messenger? This is a product developed by programmers of a popular social network - the only one of the largest messengers that is not tied to any specific platform. Thanks to this, his audience is several times larger than others. Using this program, you can send messages both to Facebook users and by email, and even in the form of SMS (for some operators). Any user can receive messages via Facebook Messenger to their email. The mailbox address in this case looks like this: [email protected].


iMessage

This messenger is developed for all users of Apple technology. The program is integrated into the standard Messages application and has a number of advantages. So, before sending a message, the system checks whether the user is online and, depending on the result, sends him an email or SMS. Another plus is that you can start a conversation on one device (for example, iPad), and continue on another (for example, iPhone). This is possible thanks to the availability of cloud synchronization.

Messenger

This is a standard messenger for the Windows 7 Phone operating system. It is compatible with both the official Windows Live Messenger desktop client and many other programs (eg Pidgin, Adium). It has a built-in email service, chat, and cloud version. In addition, an important point is support for the popular Facebook network. When choosing a contact, the user can independently indicate the method of communication (SMS, Messenger, Facebook) depending on its availability in a particular network (which the system informs in advance).

Recently, universal applications such as WhatsApp Messenger, Viber and some others. They are available for installation on various devices - Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, Nokia, etc.


You probably know about Snapchat- a very popular messenger that gained its popularity thanks to disappearing messages (users can send each other messages or photos that disappear a few seconds after viewing). So, in Blackberry We thought that such a feature would be useful for business users and added it to our BBM messenger. For what? To send messages that cannot later be used against you - for example, offers of kickbacks. Another new feature is “message recall”. If you suddenly mistakenly sent a photo with a kiss to your employee, and not to your wife, you can now delete this message on the recipient’s phone with one click.


Today everyone knows what a messenger is. This is an indispensable attribute of modern society, allowing you to build communications and communicate easily, quickly and often for free. The presence of the Internet today is not a problem, it is everywhere. That’s why messengers are actively replacing (and quite successfully) SMS as an independent method of communication. Mobile instant messengers have recently multiplied rapidly and lured users away from social networks. The choice of convenient and multifunctional instant messaging networks is becoming wider every year.


Those who have recently begun their acquaintance with the Internet often come across previously unknown words and terms that are not used in offline life. Today I will try to tell you in simple words what a messenger is on a phone and on a PC, what this program is used for, how it functions, and also what features messengers from different developers have.

Messenger - what is it in simple words

Messenger is a program (application) for instant messaging over the Internet. Messengers can use text, pictures, videos as messages; some applications support transferring files of any format.

The predecessors of instant messengers are email and telephone SMS.

But mail is not that fast. Typically, email clients check incoming emails every few minutes. This is inconvenient for quick communication, so mail is used more often for writing large letters.

Compared to modern online messengers, SMS is too expensive, and the functionality is very outdated (even emoticons cannot be sent normally).

Messengers use the Internet to transmit data, and it is now inexpensive, even if you take into account mobile tariffs.

Messages are exchanged instantly, the user writes a phrase, presses a button to send, and his interlocutor reads the message a split second later.

Most communication applications not only quickly transmit messages, but also show in real time the status of contacts in your address book - you can see who is online and will receive your message immediately, and who is not online.

In addition, most representatives of this class of applications allow you to make voice calls over the Internet, and some support video calling.

Summarizing the main functions of instant messengers:

  1. Instant messaging;
  2. There is no fee for communication, except for Internet traffic;
  3. Ability to transfer text, pictures, videos, arbitrary files;
  4. The ability to conduct voice and video conversations without additional communication fees;
  5. Show the status of the interlocutor;
  6. Save correspondence history.

How messengers work

Most users see only the client part of the messenger - this is either a program on a computer or an application on a smartphone (tablet). Meanwhile, all messengers are connected to their own servers - information is stored there and data is processed. The server part ensures the security of logins and passwords, allows you to find contacts even when their owners are offline, etc.

Each of the messengers works using its own data transfer protocol, and these protocols are rarely compatible. In my memory, I have only come across applications twice that could combine messages from different networks - these were Qip infinum and Mail.ru Agent - once they could even support the Skype protocol.

But everything is tied to money, and the developers of each messenger strive to ensure that users install only their applications (there you can insert an advertisement or offer some paid function).

Therefore, different messengers are almost always incompatible and in order to communicate, people have to install several applications at the same time.

Which messenger is better to use?

So we, friends, have figured out what a messenger is on the phone and on the computer, now the question arises, which one is better to use. Looking ahead, I will say that there is no clear answer. When choosing a messenger, you need to look at the unique features of each of them - what is more convenient for you personally in terms of functionality, as well as what the majority of people with whom you need to keep in touch mainly use - it’s one thing if you need a “light” client that takes up little space places, it’s another matter if you need to constantly hold video conferences.

Let's look at the most popular instant messengers on the Russian-speaking Internet.

Viber - a universal messenger

The brainchild of Belarusian developers was initially available only to iPhone owners, but after some time versions for Android and Windows appeared. The application works on both mobile phones and personal computers, so with Viber you will always be in touch.

Viber accounts are linked to a mobile phone number, which makes it very easy to search for people through a standard address book.

Viber is not just a messenger for messaging - it is a full-fledged communication tool with a full range of all modern functions. He can:

  • Send text, image and video messages;
  • Create group chats, bringing together several people in one conversation;
  • Make free video calls between service contacts;
  • Automatically retrieve Viber contacts from your phone's address book;
  • For an additional fee, you can make calls through the application to regular phones at cheap rates;
  • Create public group chats with the ability to search them;
  • Stores correspondence history and all transferred files.

Skype - family messenger

Initially, Skype appeared as a program for a personal computer and was focused on voice and video communication between users. But with the spread of mobile devices, a mobile application for this messenger was also created.

Skype messenger allows you to do almost everything you can think of, but it has one drawback - the program is “heavy” (takes up a lot of space) and seriously loads the device, so most people use it only on desktop PCs for calls.

Skype features:

  • Audio and video calls to users from the contact list;
  • Calls to regular phones for a fee;
  • Group video and audio calls;
  • Sending text messages via chat;
  • Transfer of any types of files, even to users who are not online at the moment (files are uploaded to the messenger servers);
  • Storing message history.

WhatsApp - modern and functional

This messenger is an application very close in functionality to Viber. The WhatsApp account corresponds to the phone number, the list of contacts is taken directly from the phone’s address book.

The main purpose is to quickly send messages from mobile devices - chat. Unfortunately, WatsApp has several disadvantages compared to its competitors:

  • No desktop version;
  • There is no ability to create open public chats;
  • It is not possible to call regular phones.

Otherwise, this messenger is not bad, it can:

  • Send text, graphic and video messages;
  • Supports group chats;
  • Allows you to make audio and video calls to other WhatsApp contacts;
  • Store correspondence history;
  • Show delivery and reading times for messages.

WhatsApp, like Viber, consumes little Internet traffic, as it was originally developed as a messenger for mobile phones.

Telegram - a secure messenger

The youngest of the described messengers, but despite its youth it has already taken its rightful place in the market. Telegram was developed by Pavel Durov (one of the creators of VKontakte) and was initially positioned as a secure means of communication.

According to my personal assessments, this product is more aimed at a commercial audience, where it is necessary to conduct group discussions and information leakage cannot be allowed. Secure protocols and various settings, including automatic deletion of messages after a specified period of time, ensure all this.

In Telegram, it is possible to create channels and conduct a one-way broadcast of messages in them - only the author writes, the rest read - this is a kind of analogue of subscribing to updates, such as email newsletters (but no one will send spam, since the subscription is done only in person).

Unfortunately, there are no calls in Telegram, that is, you cannot communicate via this messenger by voice, which makes it inconvenient for casual family conversations between grandmothers and grandchildren or parents with children - where you really want to hear and see your interlocutor.

Telegram messenger has a version for different types of devices and can be installed on both a computer and a smartphone with any operating system.

Other messengers

There are many programs for communication, and the list of worthy ones is not limited to the four described. It’s just that other applications are less popular and your friends most likely do not use them.

To the interesting programs one could add the above-mentioned Mail.ru Agent, Qip, as well as ICQ, Facebook massenger. But it only makes sense to choose them if you have interlocutors.

How to install messenger

The installation method depends on which device and which messenger you want to install on.

Installing messenger on PC

For computers, you will need to go to the developer’s official website and download the distribution that matches your operating system. Here are the links:

  • Official website – www.skype.com/ru/get-skype/ – .
  • Official site - www.viber.com/ru/products/windows/
  • Official website – telegram.org/apps

Then you run the installer and do everything it says step by step.

Installing messenger on your phone

With a phone, installation is even easier, go to the application store (Google Play, Play Market, App Store), enter the name of the desired messenger in the search - Viber, WhatsApp, Skype or Telegram.

Clicking the “Install” button will add the application to the device, and then you will simply need to log in if you already have a login and password or create a new account if you have not registered before.

Now you know everything about instant messengers - what they are, which one to choose and how to install on your device, and I hope that thanks to these programs you can always stay in touch and be closer to your family and friends.

Communications between people today have reached the highest level of technology. Advances in computer technology have made it possible to exchange messages in seconds (or instantly). This allows people to communicate in real time, even while being hundreds of thousands of kilometers away from each other. Using the instant messaging system, you can exchange not only text messages, but also images, sound signals and videos. For communications of this kind, a special client program called Instant Messenger is used. Let's figure out what a messenger is, what it can be, and what opportunities it gives to modern users.

Messenger: concept

Messenger - from the English “courier” or “messenger”. These are programs for instant messaging between users. Speed ​​is their main advantage over regular email. Here the message is transmitted at lightning speed, while the mailbox is updated every few minutes. Speaking about what a messenger is, we should clarify an important feature - it is a client program. This means that the program cannot work independently; to use it, you must connect to a server (the central computer of the network).

In the first versions of this, the recipient saw the message already at the time of its composition, which was not entirely convenient, since the user could make a mistake, correct it, edit the sentence, and all this was displayed in the dialog window. Today, the text appears on the interlocutor’s screen after it has been completely edited and sent (the Enter or “Send” button). In addition, in modern versions, communication can occur not only through text messages, but also by performing other actions - exchanging graphic, audio and video files, voice and even video communication (for example, Skype).

Features and types of messengers

Every modern person uses at least one, and most often several, instant messengers at the same time. The need for different messaging networks is due to the fact that there is no direct connection between them. Each program was created by a separate group of developers, has its own servers and protocols, features and rules of use. For example, a user on the ICQ network cannot communicate directly with someone using Skype or MSN. However, no one forbids having both of them.

Today, there are a number of messengers that are most popular among users. This is Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, MSN, ICQ, AOL, Facebook Messenger, Skype and others. All of these are Internet messengers that work when connected to the World Wide Web. Messenger can be installed not only on a computer, but also on a mobile device. This became possible with the advent of affordable mobile Internet, as well as with the development of multitasking smartphones. Let's look at the most popular free instant messengers that are designed to work simultaneously on different types of devices.

Google Talk

This is probably the most versatile mobile messenger. It is used in the popular social network Google+ and the built-in Gmail chat. This is an open solution, supported by other clients that work with its protocol (XMPP) - Pidgin, Ya.Online, etc. Google Talk is used in Android to solve many problems, and the user here is always online and can receive messages even when when not using chat. At the same time, to work with the messenger you don’t even need to have a Google account; you can communicate through your Yandex profile, for example.

Facebook Messenger

What is Facebook Messenger? This is a product developed by programmers of a popular social network - the only one of the largest messengers that is not tied to any specific platform. Thanks to this, his audience is several times larger than others. Using this program, you can send messages both to Facebook users and by email, and even in the form of SMS (for some operators). Any user can receive messages via Facebook Messenger to their email. The mailbox address in this case looks like this: [email protected].

iMessage

This messenger is developed for all users of Apple technology. The program is integrated into the standard Messages application and has a number of advantages. So, before sending a message, the system checks whether the user is online and, depending on the result, sends him an email or SMS. Another plus is that you can start a conversation on one device (for example, iPad), and continue on another (for example, iPhone). This is possible thanks to the availability of cloud synchronization.

Messenger

This is a standard messenger for the Windows 7 Phone operating system. It is compatible with both the official Windows Live Messenger desktop client and many other programs (eg Pidgin, Adium). It has a built-in email service, chat, and cloud version. In addition, an important point is support for the popular Facebook network. When choosing a contact, the user can independently indicate the method of communication (SMS, Messenger, Facebook) depending on its availability in a particular network (which the system informs in advance).

Recently, such universal applications as WhatsApp Messenger, Viber and some others have become popular. They are available for installation on various devices - Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, Nokia, etc.

Conclusion

Today everyone knows what a messenger is. This is an indispensable attribute of modern society, allowing you to build communications and communicate easily, quickly and often for free. The presence of the Internet today is not a problem, it is everywhere. That’s why messengers are actively replacing (and quite successfully) SMS as an independent method of communication. The choice of convenient and multifunctional instant messaging networks is becoming wider every year.

05/29/2017, Mon, 19:41, Moscow time, Text: Igor Korolev

Megafon has found a replacement for tariffs with unlimited Internet access. Now subscribers are offered unlimited access to major instant messengers and social networks, although the list of these services is unevenly distributed between tariffs.

Unlimited messengers

Megafon presented a new line of package tariff plans “Turn on”. Instead of unlimited Internet traffic, the new tariffs offer unlimited access to social networks, instant messengers and other Internet services.

The junior tariff in the line is “Write” - for a subscription fee of 350 rubles. per month (hereinafter prices for Moscow) provides 350 minutes of telephone calls, 200 SMS messages, 2 GB of Internet traffic and free traffic for instant messengers WhatsApp, Viber and eMotion (a messenger created by Megafon). The tariff is aimed at users who need various types of messaging.

Tariff plan “Speak” for a subscription fee of 500 rubles. per month provides 600 minutes of calls, 3 GB of Internet traffic and unlimited traffic to WhatsApp, Viber and eMotion instant messengers. The tariff is aimed at users who need voice communication along with messaging in instant messengers.

The “Listen” tariff is intended for music lovers. For a subscription fee of 500 rubles. per month, 250 minutes of calls, 6 GB of Internet traffic, unlimited access to instant messengers (WhatsApp, Viber, eMotion) and music services (Vkontakte Music, Boom, Yandex.Music, Zvooq) are offered.

Unlimited social networks

The “Communicate” tariff is intended for active Internet users. In the tariff for 600 rubles. per month includes 500 minutes of calls, 12 GB of Internet traffic, unlimited access to instant messengers (WhatsApp, Viber, eMotion) and social networks (VKontakte, Facebook, Odnoklassniki).

The “Look” tariff plan is intended for active Internet and video streaming users. For 950 rub. per month, the tariff offers 1.2 thousand minutes of calls, 16 GB of Internet traffic, 20 GB of traffic to the YouTube service and unlimited traffic to instant messengers (WhatsApp, Viber, eMotion) and social networks (VKontakte, Facebook, Odnoklassniki, Instagram ).

Rate Subscription fee, rub/month Included voice call package, minutes Consumption of minutes from the intercity package Included Internet traffic package, GB Included SMS package Using packages in intranet roaming Unlimited social networks Unlimited messengers Unlimited music services Traffic for video services MegafonTV
"Write" 350 350 - 2 200 - - WhatsApp, Viber, eMotion - - -
"Listen" 500 250 - 6 - data only - WhatsApp, Viber, eMotion "VKontakte Music", "Yandex.Music", BOOM, Zvooq 20 GB for Youtube 50 TV channels
"Speak" 500 600 + 3 - only voice - WhatsApp, Viber, eMotion - - -
"Chat" 600 500 + 12 - + "VKontakte", "Odnoklassniki", Facebook WhatsApp, Viber, eMotion - - 50 TV channels, 2 films
"Look" 950 1 200 + 16 - + WhatsApp, Viber, eMotion - - 50 TV channels, 4 films
"Premium" 3 000 5 000 + 20 unlimited + "VKontakte", "Odnoklassniki", Facebook, Instagram WhatsApp, Viber, eMotion, Telegram, FB messanger, OK messanger "Yandex.Music", BOOM, Zvooq 20 GB for Youtube, Rutube, Vimeo 100 TV channels, 4 films

Finally, the Premium plan is aimed at the most active users. For a subscription fee of 3 thousand rubles. per month it provides 5 thousand minutes of calls, unlimited SMS messages, 20 GB of Internet traffic, 20 GB of traffic for video services (YouTube, RuTube, Vimeo), unlimited access to instant messengers (WhatsApp, Viber, eMotion, Telegram, FB Messenger, OK Messenger), social networks (VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, Facebook, Instagram) and music services (Boom, Yandex.Music, Zvooq).

Unlimited Facebook without unlimited FB Messenger

At first glance, the uneven distribution of Internet services between tariffs is obvious. Thus, free access to Instagram from social networks is provided only in the “Premium” and “Look” tariffs. Similarly, among instant messengers, free access to Telegram, FB Messenger and OK Messenger is only available in the Premium tariff. At the same time, access to the social networks Facebook and Odnoklassniki is present in a larger number of tariff plans.

If the tariff plan does not contain unlimited access to any services, then it is possible to connect the option. A package of unlimited access to all of the above messengers will cost 2 rubles. per day, package of unlimited access to social networks (Vkontakte, Facebook, Odnoklassniki) - 4 rubles. per day, unlimited access to Instagram - 2 rubles. per day. Also for 4 rubles. per day you can buy unlimited access to music services and for the same price - unlimited access to video services. For 50 rubles. You can activate unlimited SMS messages per month.

Although Internet traffic is limited in all tariffs, you cannot distribute Internet from a smartphone in option or modem mode: for this you need to connect an additional option.

In addition to the “Write” and “Listen” tariffs, the package of minutes can be spent on both local and long-distance calls. “Premium”, “Chat” and “Watch” tariffs continue to apply when traveling within the country. In the “Talk” tariff, a package of minutes is valid when traveling around the country, and in the “Listen” tariff - a traffic package. For 15 rubles. per day, you can expand the tariff for intranet roaming.

Replacement for tariffs with unlimited traffic

The new line of tariffs replaced the “All inclusive” tariff line. In the latest modification of this line, the subscription fee was from 300 rubles. per month up to 2.7 thousand rubles. per month. The new line has a slightly higher subscription fee. Users of the new tariffs will receive an additional opportunity in the form of unlimited traffic to social networks and instant messengers, but most tariffs will not have a package of included SMS.

This corresponds to Megafon’s new approach to tariff setting - “more for more” (more opportunities for more money), which was announced last week by the operator’s commercial director Vlad Wolfson.

In addition, even earlier Megafon abandoned unlimited tariffs on the mobile Internet - the corresponding option was in the previous line of tariffs, but now it is not available for new connections.

Let us recall that since the end of 2016, mobile operators, one after another, began to abandon tariffs with unlimited Internet access. Yota, a subsidiary of Megafon, was the first to take this step. Instead of an unlimited Internet traffic package, the operator offered packages with a limited amount of data and the ability to connect an additional option with unlimited access to major social networks and instant messengers.