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22 June 2017
UAE residents confirm they can now make calls using instant messaging app within country and abroad
By Cleofe Maceda, Senior Web Reporter
Dubai: 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.
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.
Users reported they could place calls using du or Etisalat networks within the UAE and abroad. Gulf News confirmed that WhatApp voice and video calls are now working, though the clarity depends on data speed.
“The voice and the video are both clear from my end,” said one expatriate in Dubai who stumbled upon the new feature on Thursday.
The news agency Barq UAE quoted the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) on Thursday as saying there is no change in the UAE's policy on voice over IP (VoIP) services.
The authority added that applications or services of this nature must be subject to the regulatory framework in force in the country.
Surprise
“What a surprise. I am so happy that I can now make free calls and video chats on Whatsapp. I thought this was banned in UAE. I hope the telecom operators will not discontinue this,” said Rachel, another expat from the Philippines.
A customer service representative from du said people can now make voice calls using the mobile app.
“There won’t be any charge, as long as you have Internet connection. You might be able to do video calls, but you will get some interruption or error message. Voice calls have been activated since late last year,” the source told Gulf News.
Last November 2016, WhatsApp officially rolled out the video-calling service, but mobile phone users in UAE could not access the service due to regulatory compliance.
“Voice calls through WhatsApp are blocked in compliance with the UAE’s telecommunication regulations that allow VoIP services to be provided in the country only by licensed telecom operators,” du said in a statement last year.
No official comment from du or Etisalat was immediately available.
According to the WhatsApp website, the calling feature can be used on Android, iPhone, Windows phone and BlackBerry 10. Callers don’t consume call minutes to access the service, but data charges may apply.
To make a call, click open the chat with the friend or relative you want to contact and tap the phone icon at the top of the screen.
Video calls are available to subscribers who are on Android 0S 4.1 . Video calling may not be accessible if the operating system on your device is not supported.
To make a video call, open the chat with the WhatsApp user you wish to contact and tap the video icon.
The voice and video quality, however, will depend on the network connection.
© Gulf News 2017
UAE residents confirm they can now make calls using instant messaging app within country and abroad
By Cleofe Maceda, Senior Web Reporter
Dubai: 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.
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.
Users reported they could place calls using du or Etisalat networks within the UAE and abroad. Gulf News confirmed that WhatApp voice and video calls are now working, though the clarity depends on data speed.
“The voice and the video are both clear from my end,” said one expatriate in Dubai who stumbled upon the new feature on Thursday.
The news agency Barq UAE quoted the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) on Thursday as saying there is no change in the UAE's policy on voice over IP (VoIP) services.
The authority added that applications or services of this nature must be subject to the regulatory framework in force in the country.
Surprise
“What a surprise. I am so happy that I can now make free calls and video chats on Whatsapp. I thought this was banned in UAE. I hope the telecom operators will not discontinue this,” said Rachel, another expat from the Philippines.
A customer service representative from du said people can now make voice calls using the mobile app.
“There won’t be any charge, as long as you have Internet connection. You might be able to do video calls, but you will get some interruption or error message. Voice calls have been activated since late last year,” the source told Gulf News.
Last November 2016, WhatsApp officially rolled out the video-calling service, but mobile phone users in UAE could not access the service due to regulatory compliance.
“Voice calls through WhatsApp are blocked in compliance with the UAE’s telecommunication regulations that allow VoIP services to be provided in the country only by licensed telecom operators,” du said in a statement last year.
No official comment from du or Etisalat was immediately available.
According to the WhatsApp website, the calling feature can be used on Android, iPhone, Windows phone and BlackBerry 10. Callers don’t consume call minutes to access the service, but data charges may apply.
To make a call, click open the chat with the friend or relative you want to contact and tap the phone icon at the top of the screen.
Video calls are available to subscribers who are on Android 0S 4.1 . Video calling may not be accessible if the operating system on your device is not supported.
To make a video call, open the chat with the WhatsApp user you wish to contact and tap the video icon.
The voice and video quality, however, will depend on the network connection.
© Gulf News 2017
