Telegram Mighty in Ethiopia Instead of WhatsApp

In some countries around the world, WhatsApp is a popular instant messaging app used. This Facebook application even has a number of users in the range of 1 billion people.

But if looking into the country of Ethiopia, whatsApp big name does not seem to attract attention. Section in the country applications belonging to Pavel Durov, Telegram, it is more popular.

Based on data from the Google Play Store in December 2017, Ethiopia, Iran, and Uzbekistan are the most netizen countries using Telegram.

Globally, Telegram already has 200 million users. Certainly very far adrift with WhatsApp which is in the range of 1 billion users globally.

So why Telegram is more popular in Ethiopia than WhatsApp? Quoted from Quartz, Monday (26/2/2018), there are several reasons why netizens in Ethiopia prefer Telegram.

First, because it has a lower file size. When downloaded, Telegram has only 49 MB of data while WhatsApp has a 103 MB file size.

Internet penetration in Ethiopia is still difficult, 15% of the population of 105 million people. Moreover, of the 53 million people who have known the internet, only 3.8 million people are active in social media.

Then in terms of the price of subscriptions data package, this country is classified as having high prices and not competitive. Moreover, internet service in the country is controlled by the government operator that is Ethio Telecom.

Secondly, it has end-to-end encryption features. This feature is useful for people more comfortable when chatting via chat. Keep in mind that Ethiopia is a country that is strict about activity in cyberspace.

Based on the research, the country even has a spy or spyware program that seeks backers who spread anti-government movements.

Thirdly, Telegram has more group member capacity than WhatsApp. The app can even accommodate up to 100,000 members in a chat group. While the new WhatsApp can accommodate 256 people.

Fourth, can be a business platform. With Telegram Ethiopian people can sell, promote and buy goods online without having to build an e-commerce system.