What does adding a channel or an extra WhatsApp sender cost?
Adding a new channel, or an extra WhatsApp sender beyond what was provisioned at setup, sits outside the optional $50/month Arino Core connection — it is separate work rather than something included by asking. The underlying channel costs are paid directly to Infobip and Meta in every case. This article explains the request process and what activation involves; for the figures Arino charges, see billing and plans.
The $50/month connection does not cover this
To be direct about it: the optional $50/month covers instance connection and management, unlimited seats, unlimited live web chat, the platform and GDPR features provisioned at setup, and access to WebRTC calling. It does not cover extra channel activations, extra WhatsApp senders, custom development, Ping Me, PSTN number rental, or message usage. If your instance was set up with one WhatsApp sender and one channel, adding a second sender or channel later is new work — regardless of how small the request feels.
Separately and always: the messages that then flow through the new channel are billed to you directly by Infobip and Meta. Arino never invoices message or conversation usage.
Why extra channels and senders take real work
Each channel activation is genuine setup, not a configuration toggle: connecting a new channel means provisioning it in Infobip, wiring it into your instance's routing and inbox, and testing delivery end to end. An extra WhatsApp sender specifically means registering a new number, and — if it isn't already on a verified Meta Business Manager — going through Meta Business Verification and display-name review again for that number. Both carry effort comparable to onboarding a channel from scratch, which is why they're scoped and priced individually rather than absorbed into a flat fee.
The request process (connected clients)
- Raise the request through the client.arino.one portal, or directly with your Arino account contact.
- Arino confirms scope and cost — which channel or how many senders, whether Meta re-verification is needed, and the resulting charge.
- Activation work begins — Infobip provisioning on your account, instance configuration, and (for WhatsApp senders) Meta verification and template setup.
- Testing and go-live — a send/receive test before the channel or sender goes live.
- Invoice — the activation charge appears on the next invoice cycle alongside the $50/month connection and any Arino-metered usage such as WebRTC or Ping Me. Infobip and Meta bill you separately for the channel's own costs.
What activation involves, per channel
| Channel | What activation involves |
|---|---|
| WhatsApp (extra sender) | Number registration with Infobip, Meta Business Verification and display-name review if needed, template creation and submission |
| SMS | Sender ID or long-code/short-code provisioning with Infobip, routing configuration |
| Domain and sender authentication (SPF/DKIM/DMARC), inbox routing | |
| Instagram / Messenger | Meta page linking, permissions review, inbox routing |
| RCS | Agent registration and carrier approval through Infobip, template setup |
| Voice/WebRTC | Number provisioning and call routing configuration — see voice and WebRTC billing for call costs ($0.009/minute while connected; PSTN number rental and termination paid directly to Infobip) |
Connected vs unconnected
| Connected ($50/month) | Unconnected (no Arino fee) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can do the activation | Arino on your behalf, or you | You |
| Arino charge for the work | Quoted per request | None — Arino isn't involved |
| Infobip/Meta provisioning costs | Paid by you, directly | Paid by you, directly |
| Ongoing message costs | Paid by you, directly to Infobip and Meta | Paid by you, directly to Infobip and Meta |
| Support during activation | Included under the SLA | Not included |
Because you own the Infobip and Meta relationship on every route and build option, adding a channel yourself is always available. The request process above simply exists for connected clients who would rather Arino carry out the work — and only that work attracts an Arino charge.
Planning ahead
If you expect to need multiple WhatsApp senders or several channels from the start, mention this during onboarding — provisioning them together is more efficient than adding them one at a time later, though each additional sender or channel is still scoped individually regardless of when it's added. For ongoing message and conversation costs once a channel is live, see usage and message costs.
Frequently asked
Is adding a new channel included in the $50/month?
No. The optional $50/month Arino Core connection covers instance connection and management, seats, live web chat, platform and GDPR features, and access to WebRTC. Extra channel activations and extra WhatsApp senders are separate work, quoted separately.
How do I request a new channel or sender?
If you hold the $50/month connection, raise the request through the client.arino.one portal or with your Arino contact, and Arino confirms the requirements and cost before starting. If you run unconnected, you activate the channel yourself in your own Infobip and Meta accounts.
Can I add channels myself?
Yes. You hold your own Infobip and Meta accounts on every route and build option, so you can always activate and configure new channels or senders directly with those providers, with no Arino request and no Arino charge.
What does activating a new WhatsApp sender involve?
Registering the number with Infobip, passing Meta Business Verification and display-name review if not already verified, and creating message templates for the new sender.
Who charges for the underlying channel itself?
Infobip and Meta, directly to you. Numbers, sender IDs, conversations and segments are all on your own Infobip account. Any Arino charge is only for activation work Arino performs on your behalf.
Apply this to your own deployment
This guide describes decisions we make on live instances. Tell us your channels, systems and region and we will map it to an architecture outline, a provisioning plan and an indicative commercial model — usually within one business day.