The linkup between China Unicom and Tencent to launch a SIM card for the WeChat messaging app has made an impressive debut. More than 700,000 users have pre-ordered the SIM in the first 24 hours of availability, according to Techweb.

The SIM-based service, which is called Weixin Woka, is only available to China Unicom’s subscribers in Guangdong.

Nationally, China Unicom is the second-largest mobile operator with a market share of 22 per cent. Guangdong has a population of 105 million people.

The SIM goes on sale in the province on 8 August with three different tariffs, costing from CNY66 ($11) to CNY126. The tariffs covers both voice as well as data services, including WeChat.

A high take-up for the service would be significant for the growing rapprochement between operators and OTT players.

There are reports that third-placed China Telecom is also planning a similar data package for Weixin and other services such as Sina Weibo.