The messaging app now allows users to create a call link ahead of a catch-up with friends and colleagues into one video or voice call
VOIP
Latest in VOIP
Dubai
Dubai WhatsApp calls: Everything you need to know
Many residents prefer using VOIP calling services over normal phone calls
Cyber Security
Video: UAE may lift ban on WhatsApp calls
Dr. Mohamed Hamad Hareb Al Kuwaiti, Executive Director, UAE’s National Electronic Security Authority, discusses technology regulation in the Gulf country.
BOTIM
Etisalat rolls out new VOIP provider
HiU Messenger is the third provider to be made available for VOIP use, after BOTIM and C’Me
Baker McKenzie Habib Al Mulla
Etisalat, Du will be ‘out of business’ if they don’t invest in data, warns Al Mulla
Dr Habib Al Mulla said phonecalls will eventually become free, referring to the switch from paid text messages to free messages via WhatsApp
Al Habtoor Group
End UAE ban on WhatsApp calls, Khalaf Al Habtoor urges
Al Habtoor Group chairman Khalaf Al Habtoor has said he believes the ban has put the UAE behind the rest of the world in the communications field
Dubai Smart City
Telcos’ ‘monopolistic mentality’ hindering Dubai’s smart ambition – Al Mulla
Both Etisalat and du blocked VoIP services in the UAE in December 2017, though Etisalat introduced apps C’Me and BOTIM to users for prices starting at AED52.50 a month on mobile devices in January
Apple
UAE telecom regulators in talks over lifting Skype, Facetime ban – report
Regulators looking to maintain ‘strong relationship’ with tech giants
Artificial intelligence
Video: Why is it getting harder for telecoms to keep their customers happy?
Telecoms in the region are finding it increasingly difficult to satisfy customer expectations. Here’s how leading operators are tackling this issue.
BOTIM
Etisalat launches new unlimited calling plan with VoIP apps
The move comes just weeks after Skype was blocked in the UAE
Du
VoIP services banned in UAE, telecoms warn
Both du and Etisalat offer legal alternatives to services such as Skype
Du
Virgin Mobile UAE: ‘We’re a research lab, not a telco’
Managing director said the UAE’s newest mobile brand aims to develop value-added services ‘better than Skype’
Al Jazeera
Saudi Arabia unblocks internet calling apps
Voice and video calling apps such as WhatsApp and Skype are ‘widely available to users’
Telecom
Saudi ban on mobile voice, video apps to be lifted from Wednesday
Saudi telecom regulator CITC said service providers in the kingdom have confirmed their commitment to provide access to the services