Chikka
Chikka was a popular mobile messaging service, particularly in the Philippines, that allowed users to send free SMS (Short Message Service) messages to mobile phones. It operated by displaying advertisements within the SMS messages or on a user's web interface used to send the messages.
Overview
Chikka bridged the gap between internet access and mobile phone communication. Users could send SMS messages through the Chikka website or partner applications directly to mobile phones, effectively providing a free SMS service to recipients. The business model relied on advertising revenue to compensate for the SMS termination costs.
Key Features
- Free SMS Messaging: Allowed users to send SMS messages without incurring direct messaging charges.
- Web-to-Mobile Communication: Enabled users to send messages from a computer to mobile phones.
- Advertising Model: Supported the free messaging service through the inclusion of advertisements in or around messages.
- API Access: Provided APIs for developers to integrate Chikka's messaging capabilities into their applications.
History and Popularity
Chikka was founded in the late 1990s and gained significant popularity in the Philippines, where SMS messaging was a widely used communication method. Its free SMS service addressed the cost barriers associated with traditional SMS, making it an attractive option for many users. It also expanded partnerships with various websites and applications to further distribute its service.
Decline
The rise of over-the-top (OTT) messaging applications like WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook Messenger, which operate over data connections, led to a decline in Chikka's user base. These OTT platforms offered richer features and did not rely on traditional SMS infrastructure.