Skype Has Been Acting Up And Now Etisalat, Du AND Skype Have Confirmed The Sad News
Skype has been acting up over the holidays, with residents throughout the UAE reporting major disruptions in service.
And while some thought it was just a dodgy internet connection, now Etisalat, Du and Skype have acknowledged the situation.
And it’s official; Skype, a telecommunications app that provides free video chat and voice calls between computers, or mobile devices, has been blocked in the UAE.
Etisalat released this statement
The access to the Skype App is blocked since it is providing unlicensed Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Service, which falls under the classification of prohibited contents as per the United Arab Emirates’ Regulatory Framework. Thanks
— etisalat UAE (@etisalat) December 30, 2017
And Du said pretty much the same thing
Hello, please note that voice/video calls (VoIP) are blocked in compliance with the UAE’s Telecommunication Regulations that allow VoIP services to be provided in the country only by licensed telecom operators, (1)
— du (@dutweets) December 28, 2017
It’s been nearly a week and a lot of people are effected
Skype has been acting up for about a week now and today, we found out that it has been blocked. received so many saddening messages from LDR couples who are definitely affected by this news. ????
— Marj ???? (@marjanneco) December 30, 2017
The general reaction
I’m so sad that we are not able to Skype our family and friends this New Years Eve pic.twitter.com/0H5qcdF7YI
— Rags 2 Riches UAE (@rags2richesuae) December 31, 2017
People are asking Etisalat to reinstate the service
@etisalat Please, unblock #skype. This is the only way to communicate to the people close to our hearts back home. ???? My heart is breaking! I cant talk to them this special holiday!!! ????????????
— ᗷEᐯᔕ (@BevsValle) December 31, 2017
However, Etisalat is offering an alternative service
You can subscribe to the Internet calling plan for mobile ( 50 AED monthly ) by sending ( ICP to 1012 ) to enjoy Using C’Me and BOTIM calls and messaging. for more details please visit the below link : https://t.co/ThyHsLX68v
— etisalat UAE (@etisalat) December 30, 2017
Skype also confirmed the story
Unfortunately, it’s true. Check out this help page for more information. https://t.co/zbi13C1w55
— Skype (@Skype) December 28, 2017