Etisalat have launched a new internet calling plan, 11 days after UAE Skype users noticed that Skype calls stopped working.
The unlimited calling plans enable UAE subscribers to use government-approved voice over internet protocol (VoIP) apps at a fixed rate of Dh52.50 a month for use on mobile devices, and Dh105 a month to use over a computer connected to an eLife account.
BOTIM and C'Me are currently the only apps that comply to UAE regulatory framework requirements for VoIP calling. Both parties need to download one of the two apps to connect.
du offers a similar internet calling package at the same price, and BOTIM and C'Me are also the only VoIP apps that can be used on the package, according to their website.
According to a statement, Etisalat said that other VoIP apps could be added to their package in the future.
A customer service representative informed The National, however, that users based outside of the UAE may not need to pay for the government approved app at this time. "As per our information, this application is not chargeable in any other country," they said.
They also said that this could change and is at the discretion of the overseas internet service provider.
The monthly fee, which amounts to Dh1,260 a year, will be charged automatically every 30 days.
The use of VPNs, often used to circumvent local internet restrictions, remains illegal.
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Read More:
'No change in VoIP policy,' says UAE telecoms regulator
How the VPN law relates to you
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Disruptions began on Skype on December 28, as many tried to connect with family over the Christmas and New Year period.
In response, a petition was started by a Dubai resident, Mostafa Amr, on change.org, urging the Telecoms Regulatory Authority to change its policy towards VoIP. The campaign, called UAE: Stop Blocking VoIP Services, received more than 1,000 signatures by January 2.
The change.org website is now blocked in the UAE.
Microsoft-owned service Skype was already blocked from access in the UAE as it is an unlicensed VoIP service; however, users who had downloaded the app onto devices while overseas were able to use it without problems.
Responding to complaints on social media, Skype asked users to contact their service providers, noting it was “sadly out of our hands”.
Skype users faced further disruptions in June last year, disrupting international businesses and expatriates. Services improved after numerous complaints to providers to unblock the service.
The UAE cites security concerns as its reason for limiting access to VoIP services, including services on WhatsApp, Viber, Snapchat and Facebook.
Etisalat could not be reached for further comment.
Test
Director: S Sashikanth
Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan
Star rating: 2/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELeap%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMarch%202021%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ziad%20Toqan%20and%20Jamil%20Khammu%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPre-seed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Undisclosed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Test series fixtures
(All matches start at 2pm UAE)
1st Test Lord's, London from Thursday to Monday
2nd Test Nottingham from July 14-18
3rd Test The Oval, London from July 27-31
4th Test Manchester from August 4-8
Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
