Uber has announced its latest feature that allows riders and drivers communicate through the company’s app using voice over internet protocol (VoIP).
VoIP is a category of hardware and software that enables people to use the Internet as the transmission medium for telephone calls. The new feature uses an internet connection rather than cellular phone service to make calls.
The Verge reports that Uber announced the availability of the VoIP feature at a conference in San Francisco.
See also: Uber Launches New Safety Features in South Africa
“Data calling is now much cheaper than voice calling in certain markets” said Gagan Mac, product manager for communications at Uber.
Other ways for drivers and riders to communicate include: SMS text messages, in-app chats and public switched telephone networks.
“Data is much cheaper. Not only is it less expensive, but for drivers, it allows them to stay within the Uber app when coordinating pickups with riders. Smooth pickups hinge on seamless communication between riders and drivers,” Mac said.
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