UAE authorities are negotiating with Microsoft and Apple to lift the ban on making video and voice calls via Skype and FaceTime.
The UAE's Telecommunications Control, Supervision and Regulation Authorities are negotiating with Microsoft and Apple to lift the ban on free video and voice calls through Skype and FaceTime.
The negotiations concern the expansion of the presence of technological giants in the region.
“However, the discussions are not over yet,” said Hamad Al Mansouri, Head of the Oversight Service for Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media.
"Microsoft launched the first two data centers in the UAE, covering the entire Middle East," said Al Mansouri, adding that the authorities intend to maintain strong relations with the largest corporation.
Providers such as Etisalat and Emirates Integrated Communications are currently offering their own versions of paid video calling applications: Botim and C'Me, whose number of users, according to Mr. Al Mansouri, is growing.
It is worth noting that ordinary users and companies have repeatedly called on the authorities of the Emirates to lift the ban, citing the high cost of communication services in the UAE.
