TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - South East Asia’s telecommunication operator, Singtel, launches Wavee, an instant messaging application that will compete with WhastApp and Skype, Tech Crunch reported. Wavee runs on both iOS and Android-based devices.

Similar to other popular instant messaging application, Wavee features instant messaging, and voice and video-calling along with location-sharing and photo-editing features. It is also similar to Skype in the way that it enables users to type and send instant messages during a video-calling.

Tech Crunch wrote on April 10, that Wavee may face the problem of getting new users and helping those people convince their friends to download and use Wavee, too. In an effort to help things along, Singtel will not charge its 500 million subscribers local data fees for Wavee until July 9. The app also plans to add calls from Wavee to local mobile or landline numbers in the second half of this year.

“Wavee requires a mobile phone number to sign up, which makes it easier to invite other people to the service (and for Singtel to track who is using the app), but will be a turn off for people who are concerned about their privacy,” Tech Crunch wrote.

Singtel claims that Wavee is offering better quality connection compared to other similar apps, at least for users on its telecom network, because it can detect the strength of the network voice calls are being made on and then optimize the call so it doesn’t get dropped. It says it will offer this feature for video calls soon.

TECH CRUNCH | SATWIKA MOVEMENTI