Don't get me wrong, I tried the switch, multiple times.

Where I live the vast majority uses pre-paid plans that give internet bandwidth, some calls but hardly no SMS, so that's not an alternative, unless in an emergency or you want to contact someone unilaterally.

If I want someone to use it, they will have to convince their other circles to do the same, which statically decreases the chances of switching, and you get things like: "but we're already talking fine on Whats (whatsapp)", "it's too much trouble to have another app just for you", "I don't care who's behind the app, its works fine".

To add salt to injury, many places (like stores, restaurants, salons, etc), have WhatsApp as the main communication method, some companies will even have the option to update you on things like delivery or banking solutions via WhatsApp.

It's something so ingrained in our culture at this point that is super hard to change.

I'm not looking for solutions here, just stating a sad state of affairs, I like privacy but it's not always an option living in society.