Mobile operator 3 Hong Kong has announced another tie-up with WhatsApp to launch the city's first local and roaming WhatsApp messaging and VoIP calling packages.
The mobile division of Hutchison Telecommunications Hong Kong Holdings (HTHKH) will today launch the WhatsApp Premium Data Pack and WhatsApp Premium Roaming Pass.
The former package is available for HK$18 ($2.30) a month for unlimited messaging, photo and video sharing, audio message recording and VoIP calling.
A basic data pack is available for HK$8 per month for only unlimited local messaging and the ability to share photos and videos.
The roaming pass is meanwhile available at a promotional price of HK$48 per day, with a normal price of HK$88. Roaming is available to 200 networks in 151 destinations.
The collaboration between 3 Hong Kong and WhatsApp dates back to 2012, when the companies partnered to launch a discounted roaming pass for 3 subscribers.
Operators have been pursuing closer collaborations with OTT communications service providers as their traditional SMS and voice revenues evaporate.
Some analysts believe WhatsApp's new VoIP calling feature marks the death knell for the mobile voice business, and will force APAC operators to acquire their own digital platforms to maintain relevance.