News broke this week that the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority was in talks with both Microsoft and Apple – regarding the potential unblocking of chat services. 

The news that Skype and Facetime could be unblocked in the UAE was very well received. 

And it’s any wonder. The free-to-use services make life easier for expats living away from families. 

Part of the reason Skype and Facetime have been blocked is due to the operators of the services, not paying licence fees within the UAE – as per the laws. 

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So Microsoft and Apple have not been adhering to the UAE’s policies – which is reportedly why these apps were blocked. 

The two companies need to do due diligence – and get licenced in the UAE

Workers in the UAE are vital to the economy here, but they also live away from home – and their families. Many have children back home, and want to chat with them, but are unable to afford the Skype alternatives offered by Etisalat. 

And huge companies like Microsoft and Apple should have to pay to benefit from advertising revenue in a country like the UAE. 

So here’s hoping that something comes of these talks – for all of us.