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From the article, it mentioned that WhatsApp lets users make free international calls. Not sure if that distinguishes it above other comms channels.

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There is no “international” calling distinction when using the internet. FaceTime audio, Google Duo/allo/whatever, Skype/Teams, WeChat, and I’m sure there are plenty of other apps that let people communicate via audio.

Indeed. I've even used Discord to good results while traveling internationally, find any cafe or hostel with WiFI and you're good to go.

WhatsApp just had more time to get entrenched, I think.

WhatsApp is the main method of communication in some countries.

Where I live my most recent experiences interacting with businesses after a short phone call is switching to WhatsApp. "Do you have WhatsApp in this number?".

I'm not surprised that mangos can be ordered via WhatsApp. Like a friend of mine works in a purchasing department in company, and the last two cars the company bought were negotiated via WhatsApp.

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