Viber (2010)

Viber launched in 2010 with a simple idea: to call abroad for free over the internet when roaming costs were sky-high. Since then, it has become a common messenger with chats, groups, stickers, and end-to-end encryption for messages, but the habit of calling remains — and the paid service Viber Out still connects to regular landline and mobile numbers at rates lower than those of operators. The service is owned by the Japanese company Rakuten. Its geography is uneven: in some places, it is forgotten, while in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and some post-Soviet countries, it is almost the primary means of communication, especially among the older generation. There are public channels and business accounts, and the desktop application works in conjunction with the phone. Downsides include ads in the free version and a strict tie to the phone number. The competitors are obvious: WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal.

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