<p>Mobile messaging service providers will start charging fees, whether on their own volition or due to pressure from external forces, and this decision is not surprising. But the pricing will be critical as it may force consumers to turn to other platforms, and analysts urge providers to consider other means of monetization to prevent an exodus of users.</p><p>Apps such as WhatsApp, Tango, WeChat, LINE, Viber, and KakaoTalk are highly popular today as they allow smartphone users to send messages, photos and videos and, for some, make phone calls over the Internet. This means users are no longer beholden to operators for SMS messaging and voice calls.Mobile messaging apps may start charging users fees, but developers should consider other ways of monetization or risk losing customers.</p><p>The catch is that for most of these apps, they were free downloads initially, but that is starting to change. WhatsApp, for example, announced last month it will no longer offer its app for a one-time US$0.99 download fee to iOS users. Instead, it will align the pricing model with its Android scheme whereby users can download the app and use it for free for a year, before having to pay US$0.99 annually.Consider other monetization methods</p><p>Analysts say the decision by mobile messaging app developers to start imposing fees on users is not surprising as they have to capitalize on their growing user base and develop a sustainable business.</p><p><a href="http://www.zdnet.com/mobile-messaging-apps-need-to-be-priced-right-7000013506/">Keep reading...</a></p><p>Read also:</p><p><a href="http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/452919/20130403/7-texting-apps-took-away-23b-income.htm">7 Texting Apps That Saved Consumers $ 23B in 2012</a> (International Business Times AU)</p><p><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/parmyolson/2013/04/03/facebook-phone-faces-an-uphill-battle-in-emerging-markets/">Facebook Phone Faces An Uphill Battle In Emerging Markets</a> (Forbes)</p><p>Explore: <a href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=d_N-ZjddHVf_naMzIouMV-PVsDrdM&ned=us">3 additional articles.</a></p>