Whatsapp calls blocked in UAE, says telecoms firm
Reports 7daysindubai.com
A new feature that allows smartphone users to be make free calls over the internet via WhatsApp has been blocked in the UAE, telecoms operator du has said.
WhatsApp Voice allows users to make calls anywhere and removes the need for phone credit to be spent when on wifi. It
was rolled out for Android devices globally in recent days.
However, du said that it would be restricted, along with other Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, such as Skype.
Until now users in the UAE with an early version of the app say they have been able to make free calls abroad, removing the need for phone cards. The feature is not available for iOS.
A spokeswoman for du said: “Voice calls through WhatsApp are blocked in compliance with the UAE’s Telecommunication Regulations that allow VoIP services (including WhatsApp voice) to be provided in the country only by licensed telecom operators.”
Etisalat was not available for comment, but operates under the same regulations.
Krishnam Dave, 23, an Indian expat who works for an investment firm in Dubai, told 7DAYS: “I dialled my mother in India a few days ago through WhatsApp and it was working fine. But now it dials, but no one seems to answer.
“I’m really disappointed that it’s not working in the UAE anymore. I have a prepaid line and I spend a lot of money on buying credit for international calls.”
Dave added: “I had told my mother I’d call her every day now through Whatsapp, but I’ll have to go back to calling her every few other days now to save money.”
Abas Said, 19, an Afghan student in Dubai, also said: “I could’ve called my parents back home in Afghanistan whenever I wanted.”
7DAYS tested the system with two Android phones. While the handset used to make an outgoing call rang as normal, the receiving phone did not register.
After several attempts it appeared to connect before cutting off. Readers on 7DAYS’ Facebook likened it to the blocking of Skype.
Speaking of the cash needed to invest, he said: “These are not tens of millions, these are not hundreds of millions – these are billions every year… we need to ensure that we get some return on this investment.”
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority was not available to comment.
WhatsApp Voice allows users to make calls anywhere and removes the need for phone credit to be spent when on wifi. It
was rolled out for Android devices globally in recent days.
However, du said that it would be restricted, along with other Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, such as Skype.
Until now users in the UAE with an early version of the app say they have been able to make free calls abroad, removing the need for phone cards. The feature is not available for iOS.
A spokeswoman for du said: “Voice calls through WhatsApp are blocked in compliance with the UAE’s Telecommunication Regulations that allow VoIP services (including WhatsApp voice) to be provided in the country only by licensed telecom operators.”
Etisalat was not available for comment, but operates under the same regulations.
Krishnam Dave, 23, an Indian expat who works for an investment firm in Dubai, told 7DAYS: “I dialled my mother in India a few days ago through WhatsApp and it was working fine. But now it dials, but no one seems to answer.
“I’m really disappointed that it’s not working in the UAE anymore. I have a prepaid line and I spend a lot of money on buying credit for international calls.”
Dave added: “I had told my mother I’d call her every day now through Whatsapp, but I’ll have to go back to calling her every few other days now to save money.”
Abas Said, 19, an Afghan student in Dubai, also said: “I could’ve called my parents back home in Afghanistan whenever I wanted.”
7DAYS tested the system with two Android phones. While the handset used to make an outgoing call rang as normal, the receiving phone did not register.
After several attempts it appeared to connect before cutting off. Readers on 7DAYS’ Facebook likened it to the blocking of Skype.
Speaking of the cash needed to invest, he said: “These are not tens of millions, these are not hundreds of millions – these are billions every year… we need to ensure that we get some return on this investment.”
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority was not available to comment.
