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Why is T-mobile charging for WhatsApp international video calls?

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I have been noticing increases on my monthly bill lately and called in to verify. The agent  told me the extra charge is due to an international call. But guess what: I have been calling my country for years using WhatsApp Video Call and I have never been charged, since I have unlimited data. When I google the question I realize I’m not the only one who has this problem with T-Mobile. On my first call to the billing department the agent told me that international phone calls made through WhatsApp can be charged; she issued a one time courtesy refund to my account though. Then I spoke to a second agent and then a third agent, who both blamed WhatsApp for the issue. Here is what What’sApp says on google about this known issue:

“WhatsApp uses your phone's cellular connection or Wi-Fi network to send and receive messages and calls to your family and friends. As long as you haven't exceeded your mobile data allowance or you're connected to a free Wi-Fi network, your mobile provider shouldn't charge you for messaging or calling over WhatsApp”

I I’ve been with TMobile for about 15 years, but this issue made me consider taking my business elsewhere, since I video call Brazil everyday using What’sApp. I was offered to have put a block on international calls on my account what I will not do since I must be able to call abroad in case of an emergency. So, in other words they may keep charging me and keep blaming WhatsApp for that. Thanks God they are not the only cellular company over there!

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Best answer by Bertrand 28 June 2022, 03:27

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R

About 6 months back I faced exactly the same issue that Bertrand has faced and T-mobile charged me $385 for 3 whatsapp calls made over wifi even though I had bought a $100 international pass that allowed me to make unlimited no. of international calls. I fought this issue tooth and nail with T-mobile customer service and they eventually waived off around 50 bucks. I ended up paying as dealing with Tmobile customer service is a massive pain. However, after going through multiple forums it is clear that this is a scam being perpetuated by Tmobile. If it is a known issue with whatsapp then it is incumbent on Tmobile to warn their customers before they make wifi calls when traveling internationally. This is a Class Action Lawsuit waiting to happen. I am travelling again this week and have again bought an international pass. If I get charged again this time for a whatsapp call then maybe its time to contact my attorney

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https://community.verizon.com/t5/Connected-Devices/WhatsApp-WIFI-calls-repeatedly-resulting-in-charges-for-Roaming/m-p/1261810

 

https://community.verizon.com/t5/Connected-Devices/Is-there-a-Verizon-fee-for-WhatsApp-use-in-Dominican-Republic/m-p/1238074

 

https://community.verizon.com/t5/Samsung/Exhorbitant-bill/m-p/1216709

a bit of a funny comment in the above thread...

 
 
Re: Exhorbitant bill.
 
 
Doggo
Doggo
Contributor - Level 3
‎07-01-2021 06:06 PM

Whatsapp is notorious for failing to work resulting in high unexpected bills.

 

 

 

https://community.verizon.com/t5/Other-Network-Discussions/Got-charged-international-minutes-for-using-whatsapp-to-call/m-p/1205721

 

 

right along the lines of what @Cali Cat and  @tidbits kept saying on page one in here.

***I like many others come onto this site for assistance and to help others. Marking a reply as helpful or correct helps others with like issues when they try to search the site for assistance. I do not work for Tmobile and my suggestions and or opinions are my own**.~~~~ The site here is primarily peer to peer with some TMO moderation to keep the site in order..They do not have account access..The prefered method would be to contact TMO through either calling in (tier 1 support) or by contacting them through either Facebook/Twitter (tier 2 support)**~~~~
H

This exactly same problem is happening with me now! Same customer service answer, they said that should need to put a block on my line, since the calls from whatsapp that is not made using wifi sometimes are made by line and not data lol I received a text message right after to finish a facetime video call to Brazil, and a bunch of calls in my bill of 1min each that was made using whatsapp (on this time the person was visiting US lol), charging me another 50 dollars this month, also charged 4 times of $15 for Stateside Intl Talk w/MOB that was supposed to cover costs for international calls lol even the customer service agent knows what was happening lol very nice service tho! :/ What T-mobile has to say about it????

 

 

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