The internet-based instant messaging application Chikka announced on Wednesday that its free text messaging service will stop by the end of March.
Chikka logo (Manila Bulletin)
The firm stated that "with a sad heart," free texting on its website and app will be available only until March 31.
In an advisory posted on its official Facebook and Twitter accounts, Chika showed gratitude to the public for its continuous support "Salamat sa dalawang dekadang pagtangkilik sa Chikka SMS services (Thank you for patronizing Chikka SMS services for 2 decades)."
Just as SMS was booming in the Philippines, technology also advances day by day resulting the introduction of Iphones and Android in 2003. Messaging slowly shifted to non-SMS messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Viber and Telegram, consumer demands shifted to data services.
Chikka was launched in 2000.