The global ridesharing and taxi company, Uber, has rolled out a new VoIP calling feature as another method for drivers and riders to communicate with each other. Similar to other VoIP communication applications such as Skype, this feature will require an Internet connection instead of a mobile voice service in order to make calls.
Riders and drivers on Uber can already communicate by using in-app chats, sending SMS or making voice calls over their mobile service provider’s network. Yet VoIP calling caught Uber’s attention when the company noticed that in some countries, particularly when traveling abroad, data calling is cheaper than calling over a mobile voice network.
Besides this new feature assisting the company to expand their services on a global scale, this advancement will be of great assistance to drivers, as they will be able to stay within the Uber app while handling voice calls. Moreover, the will be no uncertainty about answering calls from unknown numbers – the calling party will be easily identifiable by the user name entered on the application.
While most people see the ideal transportation transaction as one where no voice communications are required, sometimes drivers can get lost or it might be difficult to find the customer in crowded locations. Here, Uber steps up by providing various options for drivers and customers to get in touch, underscoring their efforts to lead the expanding ride-hailing market.
