WhatsApp movie, voice calls blocked again
WhatsApp movie, voice calls blocked again
UAE residents shortly loved making calls using instant messaging app within country, abroad
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 telling they were no longer able to place movie and voice calls using the instant messaging app.
This, after the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced that its policy on VoIP still stands. A telecom operator in the UAE also later confirmed that the voice and video-calling feature on WhatsApp remains blocked.
"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 Five:30pm.
Related Links
WhatsApp movie and voice calls went live in the UAE — calmly 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 wandering 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 movie calls are now working, tho’ the clarity depends on data speed.
“The voice and the movie are both clear from my end,” said one expatriate in Dubai who stumbled upon the fresh feature on Thursday.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) later said in a statement "there is no switch in the UAE’s policy on voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services".
The statement added: TRA reconfirms that any applications or services of this nature must be subject to the regulatory framework in force in the country."
A source quoted by Emarat Al Youm newspaper also said that the activation of movie and voice calls was due to a global update last night on WhatsApp.
The source said that Etisalat and du will resume the ban later in the day, in compliance with the instructions issued by the TRA.
An official source at du told Gulf News that the company "confirms its commitment to the laws and regulations governing the telecommunications sector in the UAE, and covering voice and movie over IP, as aligned with the [TRA] of the the UAE."
“What a surprise. I am so blessed that I can now make free calls and movie talks 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, who received a movie call from a colleague around 9am.
Last November 2016, WhatsApp officially spinned 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 permit VoIP services to be provided in the country only by licensed telecom operators,” du said in a statement in 2015.
No official comment from du or Etisalat was instantly available, but residents in the UAE continued to benefit from the unblocked VoiP services late Thursday, with many taking to Twitter to express their excitement.
WhatsApp calling/movie calling features enabled in ���� now.
#Whatsapp Movie and Voice calling has now been enabled for UAE. Spread the word. #Dubai #AbuDhabi
#WhatsApp Calls are now working in #UAE. Wonder for how long? Hurry up, make those calls before it’s closed again. #mydubai #Dubai
According to the WhatsApp website, the calling feature can be used on Android, iPhone, Windows phone and BlackBerry Ten. Callers don’t consume call minutes to access the service, but data charges may apply.
To make a call, click open the talk with the friend or relative you want to contact and tap the phone icon at the top of the screen.
Movie calls are available to subscribers who are on Android 0S Four.1+. Movie calling may not be accessible if the operating system on your device is not supported.
To make a movie call, open the talk with the WhatsApp user you wish to contact and tap the movie icon.
The voice and movie quality, however, will depend on the quality of network connection.
WhatsApp movie, voice calls blocked again
WhatsApp movie, voice calls blocked again
UAE residents shortly loved making calls using instant messaging app within country, abroad
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 telling they were no longer able to place movie and voice calls using the instant messaging app.
This, after the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced that its policy on VoIP still stands. A telecom operator in the UAE also later confirmed that the voice and video-calling feature on WhatsApp remains blocked.
"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 Five:30pm.
Related Links
WhatsApp movie and voice calls went live in the UAE — calmly 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 wandering 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 movie calls are now working, tho’ the clarity depends on data speed.
“The voice and the movie are both clear from my end,” said one expatriate in Dubai who stumbled upon the fresh feature on Thursday.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) later said in a statement "there is no switch in the UAE’s policy on voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services".
The statement added: TRA reconfirms that any applications or services of this nature must be subject to the regulatory framework in force in the country."
A source quoted by Emarat Al Youm newspaper also said that the activation of movie and voice calls was due to a global update last night on WhatsApp.
The source said that Etisalat and du will resume the ban later in the day, in compliance with the instructions issued by the TRA.
An official source at du told Gulf News that the company "confirms its commitment to the laws and regulations governing the telecommunications sector in the UAE, and covering voice and movie over IP, as aligned with the [TRA] of the the UAE."
“What a surprise. I am so blessed that I can now make free calls and movie talks 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, who received a movie call from a colleague around 9am.
Last November 2016, WhatsApp officially spinned 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 permit VoIP services to be provided in the country only by licensed telecom operators,” du said in a statement in 2015.
No official comment from du or Etisalat was instantly available, but residents in the UAE continued to benefit from the unblocked VoiP services late Thursday, with many taking to Twitter to express their excitement.
WhatsApp calling/movie calling features enabled in ���� now.
#Whatsapp Movie and Voice calling has now been enabled for UAE. Spread the word. #Dubai #AbuDhabi
#WhatsApp Calls are now working in #UAE. Wonder for how long? Hurry up, make those calls before it’s closed again. #mydubai #Dubai
According to the WhatsApp website, the calling feature can be used on Android, iPhone, Windows phone and BlackBerry Ten. Callers don’t consume call minutes to access the service, but data charges may apply.
To make a call, click open the talk with the friend or relative you want to contact and tap the phone icon at the top of the screen.
Movie calls are available to subscribers who are on Android 0S Four.1+. Movie calling may not be accessible if the operating system on your device is not supported.
To make a movie call, open the talk with the WhatsApp user you wish to contact and tap the movie icon.
The voice and movie quality, however, will depend on the quality of network connection.
WhatsApp movie, voice calls blocked again
WhatsApp movie, voice calls blocked again
UAE residents shortly liked making calls using instant messaging app within country, abroad
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 telling they were no longer able to place movie and voice calls using the instant messaging app.
This, after the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced that its policy on VoIP still stands. A telecom operator in the UAE also later confirmed that the voice and video-calling feature on WhatsApp remains blocked.
"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 Five:30pm.
Related Links
WhatsApp movie and voice calls went live in the UAE — calmly 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 wandering 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 movie calls are now working, tho’ the clarity depends on data speed.
“The voice and the movie are both clear from my end,” said one expatriate in Dubai who stumbled upon the fresh feature on Thursday.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) later said in a statement "there is no switch in the UAE’s policy on voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services".
The statement added: TRA reconfirms that any applications or services of this nature must be subject to the regulatory framework in force in the country."
A source quoted by Emarat Al Youm newspaper also said that the activation of movie and voice calls was due to a global update last night on WhatsApp.
The source said that Etisalat and du will resume the ban later in the day, in compliance with the instructions issued by the TRA.
An official source at du told Gulf News that the company "confirms its commitment to the laws and regulations governing the telecommunications sector in the UAE, and covering voice and movie over IP, as aligned with the [TRA] of the the UAE."
“What a surprise. I am so glad that I can now make free calls and movie talks 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, who received a movie call from a colleague around 9am.
Last November 2016, WhatsApp officially flipped 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 permit VoIP services to be provided in the country only by licensed telecom operators,” du said in a statement in 2015.
No official comment from du or Etisalat was instantly available, but residents in the UAE continued to benefit from the unblocked VoiP services late Thursday, with many taking to Twitter to express their excitement.
WhatsApp calling/movie calling features enabled in ���� now.
#Whatsapp Movie and Voice calling has now been enabled for UAE. Spread the word. #Dubai #AbuDhabi
#WhatsApp Calls are now working in #UAE. Wonder for how long? Hurry up, make those calls before it’s closed again. #mydubai #Dubai
According to the WhatsApp website, the calling feature can be used on Android, iPhone, Windows phone and BlackBerry Ten. Callers don’t consume call minutes to access the service, but data charges may apply.
To make a call, click open the talk with the friend or relative you want to contact and tap the phone icon at the top of the screen.
Movie calls are available to subscribers who are on Android 0S Four.1+. Movie calling may not be accessible if the operating system on your device is not supported.
To make a movie call, open the talk with the WhatsApp user you wish to contact and tap the movie icon.
The voice and movie quality, however, will depend on the quality of network connection.
WhatsApp movie, voice calls blocked again
WhatsApp movie, voice calls blocked again
UAE residents shortly loved making calls using instant messaging app within country, abroad
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 telling they were no longer able to place movie and voice calls using the instant messaging app.
This, after the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced that its policy on VoIP still stands. A telecom operator in the UAE also later confirmed that the voice and video-calling feature on WhatsApp remains blocked.
"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 Five:30pm.
Related Links
WhatsApp movie and voice calls went live in the UAE — calmly 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 wandering 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 movie calls are now working, tho’ the clarity depends on data speed.
“The voice and the movie are both clear from my end,” said one expatriate in Dubai who stumbled upon the fresh feature on Thursday.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) later said in a statement "there is no switch in the UAE’s policy on voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services".
The statement added: TRA reconfirms that any applications or services of this nature must be subject to the regulatory framework in force in the country."
A source quoted by Emarat Al Youm newspaper also said that the activation of movie and voice calls was due to a global update last night on WhatsApp.
The source said that Etisalat and du will resume the ban later in the day, in compliance with the instructions issued by the TRA.
An official source at du told Gulf News that the company "confirms its commitment to the laws and regulations governing the telecommunications sector in the UAE, and covering voice and movie over IP, as aligned with the [TRA] of the the UAE."
“What a surprise. I am so glad that I can now make free calls and movie talks 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, who received a movie call from a colleague around 9am.
Last November 2016, WhatsApp officially spinned 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 permit VoIP services to be provided in the country only by licensed telecom operators,” du said in a statement in 2015.
No official comment from du or Etisalat was instantaneously available, but residents in the UAE continued to benefit from the unblocked VoiP services late Thursday, with many taking to Twitter to express their excitement.
WhatsApp calling/movie calling features enabled in ���� now.
#Whatsapp Movie and Voice calling has now been enabled for UAE. Spread the word. #Dubai #AbuDhabi
#WhatsApp Calls are now working in #UAE. Wonder for how long? Hurry up, make those calls before it’s closed again. #mydubai #Dubai
According to the WhatsApp website, the calling feature can be used on Android, iPhone, Windows phone and BlackBerry Ten. Callers don’t consume call minutes to access the service, but data charges may apply.
To make a call, click open the talk with the friend or relative you want to contact and tap the phone icon at the top of the screen.
Movie calls are available to subscribers who are on Android 0S Four.1+. Movie calling may not be accessible if the operating system on your device is not supported.
To make a movie call, open the talk with the WhatsApp user you wish to contact and tap the movie icon.
The voice and movie quality, however, will depend on the quality of network connection.
WhatsApp movie, voice calls blocked again
WhatsApp movie, voice calls blocked again
UAE residents shortly liked making calls using instant messaging app within country, abroad
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 telling they were no longer able to place movie and voice calls using the instant messaging app.
This, after the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced that its policy on VoIP still stands. A telecom operator in the UAE also later confirmed that the voice and video-calling feature on WhatsApp remains blocked.
"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 Five:30pm.
Related Links
WhatsApp movie and voice calls went live in the UAE — calmly 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 wandering 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 movie calls are now working, tho’ the clarity depends on data speed.
“The voice and the movie are both clear from my end,” said one expatriate in Dubai who stumbled upon the fresh feature on Thursday.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) later said in a statement "there is no switch in the UAE’s policy on voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services".
The statement added: TRA reconfirms that any applications or services of this nature must be subject to the regulatory framework in force in the country."
A source quoted by Emarat Al Youm newspaper also said that the activation of movie and voice calls was due to a global update last night on WhatsApp.
The source said that Etisalat and du will resume the ban later in the day, in compliance with the instructions issued by the TRA.
An official source at du told Gulf News that the company "confirms its commitment to the laws and regulations governing the telecommunications sector in the UAE, and covering voice and movie over IP, as aligned with the [TRA] of the the UAE."
“What a surprise. I am so blessed that I can now make free calls and movie talks 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, who received a movie call from a colleague around 9am.
Last November 2016, WhatsApp officially spinned 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 permit VoIP services to be provided in the country only by licensed telecom operators,” du said in a statement in 2015.
No official comment from du or Etisalat was instantaneously available, but residents in the UAE continued to benefit from the unblocked VoiP services late Thursday, with many taking to Twitter to express their excitement.
WhatsApp calling/movie calling features enabled in ���� now.
#Whatsapp Movie and Voice calling has now been enabled for UAE. Spread the word. #Dubai #AbuDhabi
#WhatsApp Calls are now working in #UAE. Wonder for how long? Hurry up, make those calls before it’s closed again. #mydubai #Dubai
According to the WhatsApp website, the calling feature can be used on Android, iPhone, Windows phone and BlackBerry Ten. Callers don’t consume call minutes to access the service, but data charges may apply.
To make a call, click open the talk with the friend or relative you want to contact and tap the phone icon at the top of the screen.
Movie calls are available to subscribers who are on Android 0S Four.1+. Movie calling may not be accessible if the operating system on your device is not supported.
To make a movie call, open the talk with the WhatsApp user you wish to contact and tap the movie icon.
The voice and movie quality, however, will depend on the quality of network connection.
WhatsApp movie, voice calls blocked again
WhatsApp movie, voice calls blocked again
UAE residents shortly loved making calls using instant messaging app within country, abroad
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 telling they were no longer able to place movie and voice calls using the instant messaging app.
This, after the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced that its policy on VoIP still stands. A telecom operator in the UAE also later confirmed that the voice and video-calling feature on WhatsApp remains blocked.
"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 Five:30pm.
Related Links
WhatsApp movie and voice calls went live in the UAE — calmly 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 wandering 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 movie calls are now working, however the clarity depends on data speed.
“The voice and the movie are both clear from my end,” said one expatriate in Dubai who stumbled upon the fresh feature on Thursday.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) later said in a statement "there is no switch in the UAE’s policy on voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services".
The statement added: TRA reconfirms that any applications or services of this nature must be subject to the regulatory framework in force in the country."
A source quoted by Emarat Al Youm newspaper also said that the activation of movie and voice calls was due to a global update last night on WhatsApp.
The source said that Etisalat and du will resume the ban later in the day, in compliance with the instructions issued by the TRA.
An official source at du told Gulf News that the company "confirms its commitment to the laws and regulations governing the telecommunications sector in the UAE, and covering voice and movie over IP, as aligned with the [TRA] of the the UAE."
“What a surprise. I am so blessed that I can now make free calls and movie talks 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, who received a movie call from a colleague around 9am.
Last November 2016, WhatsApp officially flipped 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 permit VoIP services to be provided in the country only by licensed telecom operators,” du said in a statement in 2015.
No official comment from du or Etisalat was instantaneously available, but residents in the UAE continued to benefit from the unblocked VoiP services late Thursday, with many taking to Twitter to express their excitement.
WhatsApp calling/movie calling features enabled in ���� now.
#Whatsapp Movie and Voice calling has now been enabled for UAE. Spread the word. #Dubai #AbuDhabi
#WhatsApp Calls are now working in #UAE. Wonder for how long? Hurry up, make those calls before it’s closed again. #mydubai #Dubai
According to the WhatsApp website, the calling feature can be used on Android, iPhone, Windows phone and BlackBerry Ten. Callers don’t consume call minutes to access the service, but data charges may apply.
To make a call, click open the talk with the friend or relative you want to contact and tap the phone icon at the top of the screen.
Movie calls are available to subscribers who are on Android 0S Four.1+. Movie calling may not be accessible if the operating system on your device is not supported.
To make a movie call, open the talk with the WhatsApp user you wish to contact and tap the movie icon.
The voice and movie quality, however, will depend on the quality of network connection.
WhatsApp movie, voice calls blocked again
WhatsApp movie, voice calls blocked again
UAE residents shortly loved making calls using instant messaging app within country, abroad
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 telling they were no longer able to place movie and voice calls using the instant messaging app.
This, after the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced that its policy on VoIP still stands. A telecom operator in the UAE also later confirmed that the voice and video-calling feature on WhatsApp remains blocked.
"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 Five:30pm.
Related Links
WhatsApp movie and voice calls went live in the UAE — calmly 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 wandering 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 movie calls are now working, tho’ the clarity depends on data speed.
“The voice and the movie are both clear from my end,” said one expatriate in Dubai who stumbled upon the fresh feature on Thursday.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) later said in a statement "there is no switch in the UAE’s policy on voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services".
The statement added: TRA reconfirms that any applications or services of this nature must be subject to the regulatory framework in force in the country."
A source quoted by Emarat Al Youm newspaper also said that the activation of movie and voice calls was due to a global update last night on WhatsApp.
The source said that Etisalat and du will resume the ban later in the day, in compliance with the instructions issued by the TRA.
An official source at du told Gulf News that the company "confirms its commitment to the laws and regulations governing the telecommunications sector in the UAE, and covering voice and movie over IP, as aligned with the [TRA] of the the UAE."
“What a surprise. I am so blessed that I can now make free calls and movie talks 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, who received a movie call from a colleague around 9am.
Last November 2016, WhatsApp officially spinned 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 permit VoIP services to be provided in the country only by licensed telecom operators,” du said in a statement in 2015.
No official comment from du or Etisalat was instantaneously available, but residents in the UAE continued to benefit from the unblocked VoiP services late Thursday, with many taking to Twitter to express their excitement.
WhatsApp calling/movie calling features enabled in ���� now.
#Whatsapp Movie and Voice calling has now been enabled for UAE. Spread the word. #Dubai #AbuDhabi
#WhatsApp Calls are now working in #UAE. Wonder for how long? Hurry up, make those calls before it’s closed again. #mydubai #Dubai
According to the WhatsApp website, the calling feature can be used on Android, iPhone, Windows phone and BlackBerry Ten. Callers don’t consume call minutes to access the service, but data charges may apply.
To make a call, click open the talk with the friend or relative you want to contact and tap the phone icon at the top of the screen.
Movie calls are available to subscribers who are on Android 0S Four.1+. Movie calling may not be accessible if the operating system on your device is not supported.
To make a movie call, open the talk with the WhatsApp user you wish to contact and tap the movie icon.
The voice and movie quality, however, will depend on the quality of network connection.
WhatsApp movie, voice calls blocked again
WhatsApp movie, voice calls blocked again
UAE residents shortly liked making calls using instant messaging app within country, abroad
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 telling they were no longer able to place movie and voice calls using the instant messaging app.
This, after the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced that its policy on VoIP still stands. A telecom operator in the UAE also later confirmed that the voice and video-calling feature on WhatsApp remains blocked.
"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 Five:30pm.
Related Links
WhatsApp movie and voice calls went live in the UAE — calmly 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 wandering 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 movie calls are now working, however the clarity depends on data speed.
“The voice and the movie are both clear from my end,” said one expatriate in Dubai who stumbled upon the fresh feature on Thursday.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) later said in a statement "there is no switch in the UAE’s policy on voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services".
The statement added: TRA reconfirms that any applications or services of this nature must be subject to the regulatory framework in force in the country."
A source quoted by Emarat Al Youm newspaper also said that the activation of movie and voice calls was due to a global update last night on WhatsApp.
The source said that Etisalat and du will resume the ban later in the day, in compliance with the instructions issued by the TRA.
An official source at du told Gulf News that the company "confirms its commitment to the laws and regulations governing the telecommunications sector in the UAE, and covering voice and movie over IP, as aligned with the [TRA] of the the UAE."
“What a surprise. I am so glad that I can now make free calls and movie talks 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, who received a movie call from a colleague around 9am.
Last November 2016, WhatsApp officially spinned 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 permit VoIP services to be provided in the country only by licensed telecom operators,” du said in a statement in 2015.
No official comment from du or Etisalat was instantly available, but residents in the UAE continued to benefit from the unblocked VoiP services late Thursday, with many taking to Twitter to express their excitement.
WhatsApp calling/movie calling features enabled in ���� now.
#Whatsapp Movie and Voice calling has now been enabled for UAE. Spread the word. #Dubai #AbuDhabi
#WhatsApp Calls are now working in #UAE. Wonder for how long? Hurry up, make those calls before it’s closed again. #mydubai #Dubai
According to the WhatsApp website, the calling feature can be used on Android, iPhone, Windows phone and BlackBerry Ten. Callers don’t consume call minutes to access the service, but data charges may apply.
To make a call, click open the talk with the friend or relative you want to contact and tap the phone icon at the top of the screen.
Movie calls are available to subscribers who are on Android 0S Four.1+. Movie calling may not be accessible if the operating system on your device is not supported.
To make a movie call, open the talk with the WhatsApp user you wish to contact and tap the movie icon.
The voice and movie quality, however, will depend on the quality of network connection.
WhatsApp movie, voice calls blocked again
WhatsApp movie, voice calls blocked again
UAE residents shortly loved making calls using instant messaging app within country, abroad
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 telling they were no longer able to place movie and voice calls using the instant messaging app.
This, after the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced that its policy on VoIP still stands. A telecom operator in the UAE also later confirmed that the voice and video-calling feature on WhatsApp remains blocked.
"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 Five:30pm.
Related Links
WhatsApp movie and voice calls went live in the UAE — calmly 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 wandering 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 movie calls are now working, however the clarity depends on data speed.
“The voice and the movie are both clear from my end,” said one expatriate in Dubai who stumbled upon the fresh feature on Thursday.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) later said in a statement "there is no switch in the UAE’s policy on voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services".
The statement added: TRA reconfirms that any applications or services of this nature must be subject to the regulatory framework in force in the country."
A source quoted by Emarat Al Youm newspaper also said that the activation of movie and voice calls was due to a global update last night on WhatsApp.
The source said that Etisalat and du will resume the ban later in the day, in compliance with the instructions issued by the TRA.
An official source at du told Gulf News that the company "confirms its commitment to the laws and regulations governing the telecommunications sector in the UAE, and covering voice and movie over IP, as aligned with the [TRA] of the the UAE."
“What a surprise. I am so glad that I can now make free calls and movie talks 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, who received a movie call from a colleague around 9am.
Last November 2016, WhatsApp officially spinned 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 permit VoIP services to be provided in the country only by licensed telecom operators,” du said in a statement in 2015.
No official comment from du or Etisalat was instantaneously available, but residents in the UAE continued to benefit from the unblocked VoiP services late Thursday, with many taking to Twitter to express their excitement.
WhatsApp calling/movie calling features enabled in ���� now.
#Whatsapp Movie and Voice calling has now been enabled for UAE. Spread the word. #Dubai #AbuDhabi
#WhatsApp Calls are now working in #UAE. Wonder for how long? Hurry up, make those calls before it’s closed again. #mydubai #Dubai
According to the WhatsApp website, the calling feature can be used on Android, iPhone, Windows phone and BlackBerry Ten. Callers don’t consume call minutes to access the service, but data charges may apply.
To make a call, click open the talk with the friend or relative you want to contact and tap the phone icon at the top of the screen.
Movie calls are available to subscribers who are on Android 0S Four.1+. Movie calling may not be accessible if the operating system on your device is not supported.
To make a movie call, open the talk with the WhatsApp user you wish to contact and tap the movie icon.
The voice and movie quality, however, will depend on the quality of network connection.
WhatsApp movie, voice calls blocked again
WhatsApp movie, voice calls blocked again
UAE residents shortly loved making calls using instant messaging app within country, abroad
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 telling they were no longer able to place movie and voice calls using the instant messaging app.
This, after the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced that its policy on VoIP still stands. A telecom operator in the UAE also later confirmed that the voice and video-calling feature on WhatsApp remains blocked.
"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 Five:30pm.
Related Links
WhatsApp movie and voice calls went live in the UAE — calmly 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 wandering 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 movie calls are now working, tho’ the clarity depends on data speed.
“The voice and the movie are both clear from my end,” said one expatriate in Dubai who stumbled upon the fresh feature on Thursday.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) later said in a statement "there is no switch in the UAE’s policy on voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services".
The statement added: TRA reconfirms that any applications or services of this nature must be subject to the regulatory framework in force in the country."
A source quoted by Emarat Al Youm newspaper also said that the activation of movie and voice calls was due to a global update last night on WhatsApp.
The source said that Etisalat and du will resume the ban later in the day, in compliance with the instructions issued by the TRA.
An official source at du told Gulf News that the company "confirms its commitment to the laws and regulations governing the telecommunications sector in the UAE, and covering voice and movie over IP, as aligned with the [TRA] of the the UAE."
“What a surprise. I am so glad that I can now make free calls and movie talks 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, who received a movie call from a colleague around 9am.
Last November 2016, WhatsApp officially spinned 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 permit VoIP services to be provided in the country only by licensed telecom operators,” du said in a statement in 2015.
No official comment from du or Etisalat was instantly available, but residents in the UAE continued to benefit from the unblocked VoiP services late Thursday, with many taking to Twitter to express their excitement.
WhatsApp calling/movie calling features enabled in ���� now.
#Whatsapp Movie and Voice calling has now been enabled for UAE. Spread the word. #Dubai #AbuDhabi
#WhatsApp Calls are now working in #UAE. Wonder for how long? Hurry up, make those calls before it’s closed again. #mydubai #Dubai
According to the WhatsApp website, the calling feature can be used on Android, iPhone, Windows phone and BlackBerry Ten. Callers don’t consume call minutes to access the service, but data charges may apply.
To make a call, click open the talk with the friend or relative you want to contact and tap the phone icon at the top of the screen.
Movie calls are available to subscribers who are on Android 0S Four.1+. Movie calling may not be accessible if the operating system on your device is not supported.
To make a movie call, open the talk with the WhatsApp user you wish to contact and tap the movie icon.
The voice and movie quality, however, will depend on the quality of network connection.