Dubai - Some residents took to social media on Saturday, saying they were able to make calls over WhatsApp using WiFi.
Published: Sat 15 Sep 2018, 12:55 PM
Updated: Sun 16 Sep 2018, 9:04 AM
The UAE's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has denied "rumours" about WhatsApp calling being allowed in the UAE.
A report in Emarat Al Youm quoted a TRA source as saying that social media posts about the service being allowed in the UAE are "fake and just rumours".
Some residents took to social media on Saturday, saying they were able to make calls over WhatsApp using WiFi.
The TRA has on several occasions maintained that any application or service of this type must comply with the applicable regulatory framework in the country.
TRA maintains that "VoIP services are still a prerogative of the licensed providers who reserve the right to provide such services through their networks". "Companies wishing to offer such services must coordinate with the licensed telecom providers in the UAE."
A prominent Emirati and Dubai-based billionaire had last week called on UAE's telecom firms to unblock VoIP services so that the UAE residents can make free calls through WhatsApp and Skype.
Khalaf Al Habtoor, chairman, Al Hatboor Group, stressed that UAE telecom firms -- Etisalat and du -- should allow VoIP calls as the UAE strives towards becoming the No. 1 country in everything, including the communications sector.
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