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WhatsApp is an ideal channel to use use, given its large user base and its popularity as an application, especially in LMICs. However, there are multiple steps involved in procuring a WhatsApp for Business number that you can use for your chatbot. There are also multiple providers you can approach to purchase this line.
If you'd like to use WhatsApp as a deployment channel, please contact ocs-info@dimagi.com for more information and support.
Telegram
Among multiple advantages, deploying on Telegram is a fairly simple process that does not require approvals (as above for WhatsApp). Additionally, as of this writing, Telegram is free to use, and thus makes for an ideal tool for iteration. One drawback of Telegram is that it is not as widely used as WhatsApp, and therefore might not be an ideal channel if you are hoping to scale organically to many users, especially in LMICs.
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