Dubai: It's a case of on again, off again. Only a few hours after mobile phone users rejoiced over the unblocking of voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) functions in the UAE on Thursday, the government seemed to have again restricted the use of WhatsApp’s voice and video-calling services.
As of 1:40pm, residents in the UAE experienced intermittent VoIP access, with some users saying they were no longer able to place video and voice calls using the instant messaging app. This, after the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced that its policy on VoIP still stands.
"I was able to access it this morning without any issues. Now, sometimes I can connect, sometimes I don't. The connection seems unstable," said one user who tested WhatsApp's video-calling service at 5:30pm.
WhatsApp video and voice calls went live in the UAE — quietly and no fanfare or official announcement — to the pleasant surprise of mobile phone users in the country early Thursday morning.
Many confirmed to Gulf News they can now use the features on the popular instant messaging app when connected to mobile roaming or WiFi network.
VoIP services, including video-calling, are restricted by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority in the UAE and only licensed providers are allowed to offer such services. In statement issued earlier today, TRA said, “There is no change in the UAE’s policy on voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services.” The statement added that any applications or services of this nature would be subject to regulatory framework in force in the country
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