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Why did UAE ban WhatsApp calls?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently announced a ban on voice calls made through WhatsApp and other calling services in the country. This unexpected move has left many expatriates and UAE residents confused as to why such a popular communication app would be restricted.

What exactly has been banned in the UAE?

The UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has banned voice over internet protocol (VoIP) calls made through apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Google Hangouts. This means that people in the UAE can no longer make voice and video calls over these platforms. Messaging services are still allowed, but the calling functionality has been disabled.

This ban applies to both individual users and companies. Businesses that relied on apps like WhatsApp for internal communications and customer service will need to find alternatives. The TDRA has suggested using UAE’s licensed telecom providers like Etisalat and Du for call services instead.

Why did the UAE government implement this ban?

The TDRA has stated that the reason behind the ban is to protect the UAE’s telecom infrastructure and ensure it adheres to the country’s regulations. They want all calls to be made through approved telecom channels that the government can monitor and control if needed.

However, many experts speculate there are other motives behind this sudden policy change:

  • Increase revenues for state-owned telecom companies like Etisalat and Du by pushing people to use their call services instead of free internet-based apps.
  • Enhance surveillance and censorship capabilities by restricting calls to channels that can be easily monitored.
  • Reduce security risks of internet-based calls which are harder to control.
  • Protect licensed telecom companies in the UAE from loss of revenue due to increasing use of internet-based apps.

How has the public reacted to this ban?

The ban on WhatsApp and other calling apps has provoked a strong negative reaction from the public in the UAE. Since these apps offered free and convenient voice and video calling, many residents heavily relied on them for communicating with family and friends abroad.

Expats make up over 80% of the UAE’s population, so these apps provided them with an affordable way to stay in touch with loved ones back home. Students and professionals living away from families were also able to have regular video calls using apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime.

Banning these services now means people have to pay international call rates which are substantially higher. Many have had to cancel their phone plans or buy special international calling packs. The abruptness of the ban has aggravated users who were not given time to transition smoothly.

How are businesses affected?

The ban on VoIP calls has also created challenges for companies operating in the UAE. WhatsApp calling was commonly used for internal communication between teams and with clients. Startups and smaller companies without fixed phone lines relied heavily on internet-based calling services.

With the ban, businesses now have to invest in new communication infrastructure. This unexpected additional expense and inconvenience has upset many enterprises. Companies need to quickly train their staff on using approved telecom channels and amend their IT policies. Client-facing teams also need to inform customers about the disruption caused.

Some ways businesses are affected include:

  • Higher calling costs for internal and client communications.
  • Limitations in communicating with remote employees and teams.
  • Decreased productivity and efficiency due to the inability to use preferred communication apps.
  • Cost and inconvenience of transitioning to alternate call services.
  • Security risks to company data if unofficial calling apps continue to be used despite the ban.

What alternatives are available for calling services in the UAE?

To replace banned apps like WhatsApp calling, UAE residents and businesses will need to use the official telecom providers in the country for their voice and video call requirements. The main options available are:

Telecom Provider Call Services
Etisalat Etisalat offers fixed line calling plans as well as mobile plans with international minutes. Users can also opt for prepaid calling cards to make affordable international calls.
Du Du provides home phone and mobile plans with bundled international minutes. They also have pay-as-you-go IDD calling rates.
Botim Botim is a VoIP app approved by the UAE’s Telecom Regulatory Authority. It offers affordable calling rates to international numbers.

Businesses can also explore enterprise calling solutions provided by telecom companies in the UAE. However, these alternative options are typically more expensive than the free internet-based apps. Users may need to be selective about which calls they make using paid minutes.

Is there a possibility for the ban to be lifted in the future?

Currently, there are no signs of the UAE lifting the ban on WhatsApp and other calling app services. The policy is aligned with the country’s goals to have greater control over communication networks. However, if public backlash and loss of revenues for businesses continues, the demand for re-allowing VoIP calls could increase.

The UAE government holds the power to amend telecom regulations as needed. If enough economic and social pressures build up, policymakers could reconsider the ban. For example, if licensed telecom companies notice a major revenue decline from clients switching to alternatives outside the UAE. Or if multinational companies decide to reduce investments and operations in the UAE due to communication challenges.

However, any changes are unlikely to happen quickly. For now, residents and businesses must adapt to the new normal of increased call rates and reduced functionality previously available on apps like WhatsApp.

Conclusion

The UAE’s suspension on using WhatsApp and other Voice over IP calling apps came unexpectedly and has impacted everyday communications for many. While the UAE government cites protecting licensed telecom companies as the reason, the ban helps them increase surveillance of calls and prevent security risks from internet-based apps.

Individuals are now stuck paying higher rates for international calls. Businesses also face operational constraints, expenses and risks of reduced efficiency. However, viable alternatives like Etisalat, Du and Botim are available. The potential lifting of the ban will depend on economic and social pressures faced in the country due to this policy change.