WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, used by over 2 billion people. However, one feature that is restricted in some countries is WhatsApp calling – the ability to make voice and video calls over WhatsApp. In Qatar, WhatsApp calling is blocked and unavailable for use. This has caused confusion and frustration among many expat residents and travelers in Qatar who rely on WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends and family back home.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why WhatsApp calling is restricted in Qatar, some background on VoIP regulation in the country, how residents are impacted, as well as tips for alternatives to still make affordable calls.
WhatsApp Calling is Blocked Due to VoIP Restrictions
The main reason why WhatsApp calling is blocked in Qatar is due to the country’s laws and regulations around Voice over IP (VoIP) services. VoIP refers to making voice calls over the internet, rather than traditional phone networks.
Qatar has strict controls over telecommunications and internet access within the country. All telecom and internet service providers operating in Qatar must comply with regulations from the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA). The CRA regulates and monitors all telecom, radio, television, and internet services in Qatar.
Part of their oversight includes restrictions on VoIP services and apps that allow calling over the internet. While residents can access apps like WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime etc for messaging, the calling capabilities are disabled. The only way to make calls via VoIP is to use licensed VoIP providers that have been approved by the CRA. WhatsApp does not have this license or approval in Qatar.
Background on VoIP Regulation in Qatar
To understand why WhatsApp calling is restricted, it helps to look at the background on VoIP regulation in Qatar:
– VoIP has been regulated since 2006 – Qatar enacted legislation back in 2006 that placed controls over VoIP. This effectively granted the state-owned telecom operator a monopoly over all telecom and internet services.
– Only licensed operators can offer VoIP – The 2006 law established that only licensed operators approved by the government can provide VoIP services. No other apps or software can enable internet calling in Qatar.
– Retail VoIP remained banned until 2017 – Qatar banned any retail or consumer use of VoIP up until 2017. Only companies and institutions could apply for a VoIP license. This meant apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype etc could not offer calling to regular customers.
– Consumer VoIP allowed under restrictions – In 2017, Qatar opened up VoIP for consumer use but kept strict controls in place. VoIP use for individuals has to go through licensed operators following CRA guidelines. Apps still cannot provide independent VoIP services.
This evolution of VoIP regulation in Qatar has shaped why WhatsApp calling remains blocked today. Under current laws, WhatsApp cannot offer direct calling capabilities without a VoIP license from the CRA. Since WhatsApp does not have this approval, the calling feature is automatically disabled.
How are Qatar Residents Impacted?
With WhatsApp calling restricted, residents in Qatar are impacted in the following ways:
– Cannot call overseas contacts on WhatsApp – People cannot use WhatsApp to make voice or video calls to contact numbers abroad. This cuts off a convenient calling option to reach friends and family overseas.
– Forces use of costlier calling options – Without WhatsApp calling, residents have to use traditional international calling which can be very expensive. This adds to the communication costs for people living abroad in Qatar.
– Causes confusion for new residents – Many new expats moving to Qatar are unaware of the WhatsApp restrictions and assume calling will work. This causes frustration when the calling feature does not work after installing WhatsApp.
– Disruptions for travelers – Similarly, people visiting Qatar also end up confused and inconvenienced when WhatsApp calling is blocked on their device during travel.
– Impacts small businesses and startups – Small companies and startups often prefer using WhatsApp Business for affordable international calling to contacts and suppliers. The block in Qatar cuts off this calling channel.
– Reduced competition leads to high calling rates – With only state-approved VoIP operators allowed, lack of competition keeps calling rates high for Qatar residents and businesses.
While Qatar has relaxed VoIP laws, the restrictions still pose challenges for day-to-day communication and increase calling costs for residents and companies operating in Qatar.
Alternatives for Making Affordable Calls
Despite the WhatsApp restrictions, there are still a few alternatives people in Qatar can use to make international calls more affordably:
– **Use licensed VoIP operators** – The most compliant option is to use VoIP providers approved by the CRA like Botim, C’me, or Trio. These offer internet calling apps and SIM cards that can bypass the WhatsApp block.
– **Local SIM card with international bundles** – Getting a pay-as-you-go local SIM with international minutes bundles is an economical way for longer stays. Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar offer prepaid SIMs with bundled minutes to call different countries at discounted rates.
– **OTT apps with calling credits** – Apps like Botim and Vonage let you buy calling credit to make VoIP calls at lower costs. Rates are still higher than WhatsApp but cheaper than regular international calling.
– **Online phone services** – Options like Skype allow users to purchase an online phone number and affordable calling rates to global landline and mobile numbers.
– **Roaming packages** – For short-term visitors, getting a roaming package from your home carrier can avoid costly bills if you really need to make calls via your regular number.
– **Local SIM card with data** – For longer stays, a pay-as-you-go local SIM just for mobile data access can let you use OTA messaging and calling apps to avoid roaming fees.
While not as convenient as WhatsApp calling, these options can still help residents and visitors make affordable calls to and from Qatar. However, buying a local SIM card or using licensed VoIP is recommended for compliant internet calling.
The Future of VoIP in Qatar
While WhatsApp calling itself is still restricted, Qatar has been progressively easing up on VoIP regulations:
– In 2017, Qatar permitted VoIP use, opened up competition, and issued additional licenses to new consumer VoIP providers.
– The number of licensed consumer VoIP providers has been increasing steadily since 2017. There are now 5 approved operators offering consumer VoIP services.
– The licensed VoIP operators do not need to partner with the state-owned telecom operator anymore and can set their own rates.
– There is growing competition in the consumer VoIP segment leading to more affordable and innovative offerings.
– Qatar aims to modernize its telecom infrastructure and regulations as part of National Vision 2030 objectives.
– The country is also looking to diversify the economy and attract foreign investment, where easing VoIP restrictions can help.
While change has been gradual, the direction seems to be moving towards liberalizing consumer VoIP access further in coming years. The increasing competition and new licenses being issues show Qatar recognizes the need for more modern telecom and internet laws aligned with global technology trends.
We could see approved consumer VoIP services become even more accessible. And potentially, popular apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime may eventually be allowed to enable calling without need for a VoIP license. However, the extent and timeline for any changes remains to be seen.
For now, residents and visitors in Qatar will continue to require alternative calling options compared to much of the world where WhatsApp calling is freely permitted. But there are signs that access to internet calling could improve in coming years as Qatar continues modernizing its telecom regulations.
Summary
To summarize, WhatsApp calling remains blocked in Qatar due to the country’s laws regulating VoIP services. Only state-approved, licensed VoIP operators can enable internet calling functionality. Since WhatsApp does not have this license, its calling feature is restricted.
Residents face challenges for affordable international calling without WhatsApp. However, there are compliant alternatives through licensed VoIP apps and services, local SIM cards, and online calling options. And while change has been gradual, Qatar does seem to be progressively easing VoIP access. More competition and better services could arrive in future as Qatar updates its telecom infrastructure and regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is WhatsApp calling allowed in some countries but not Qatar?
WhatsApp calling is allowed globally by default, except in some countries where local laws restrict VoIP services. Qatar regulates VoIP at the state level and requires apps to have a license to allow calling. WhatsApp does not have this license yet.
Can I get around the WhatsApp call block using a VPN?
Technically yes, using a VPN connection can bypass the WhatsApp calling block. However, this violates Qatar’s telecom regulations and could lead to penalties if detected.
What happens if I try making a WhatsApp call in Qatar?
When attempting a WhatsApp call, you will get an error message saying “Calling unavailable. Try contacting your carrier.” The call simply fails to connect rather than going through.
Will I be charged for attempting a failed WhatsApp call?
No, you will not be charged any costs for trying to make a WhatsApp call in Qatar, since the call will not actually connect when blocked.
Can I use WhatsApp calling in Qatar if I have a foreign SIM card?
No, the WhatsApp calling restriction applies based on where you are located rather than your SIM card. So even foreign SIM cards will not work for WhatsApp calls within Qatar.