It's my understanding that Skype, FaceTime and WhatsApp are not "banned" under law, but there are only two licensed telecom operators in this country and they choose to stop access to these facilities (Skype blocked again in the UAE, June 27).
That’s because they would lose earnings from long-distance calls.
They offer their own VoIP options that would become obsolete if they allowed access to other VoIP systems.
Alan Davies, Abu Dhabi
Do they realise that the majority of people are expatriates here, who live away from their family? We need technology like this.
Megan Nutt, Dubai
Not everyone can afford long distance calls. What’s the issue with Skype and WhatsApp calls?
Sara Smith, Abu Dhabi
Choose saving plans carefully
When a salesman cold calls offering to sell a 10-, 15- or even worse 25-year savings plan, just walk away (Case study: Even a financial officer can fall for a predatory savings scheme, June 24).
Although these schemes are not illegal, they are designed to make the salesman and the insurance provider rich, not you, the poor customer.
Patricia Regard Trudgeon, Dubai
Bus drivers need training
It's good to know that all school buses in Dubai and the Northern Emirates will feature swipe-card access, motion sensors and loud alarms (New safety measures for Dubai and Northern Emirates school buses, June 26). But will they train the drivers properly?
Too many times I have seen school buses pulling into traffic right in front of oncoming traffic, changing lanes without indicating, changing lanes at the last minute and moving too fast. These drivers should be behaving in an exemplary manner. Currently, they most assuredly are not.
Dave Pryce, Abu Dhabi
The idea is nice, but my question is, who exactly is going to pay for all this technology? It does not come cheap.
Does it mean more expenses for parents?
Tanya Milbourne, Abu Dhabi
Why are school fees so high?
Who wants beautiful buildings (Education officials explain high school fees in Dubai, June 25)? Will my children pay for contractors to fit cool-looking stuff that have nothing to do with the education they are supposed to be getting?
I went to a simple government school that only had fans and small air-conditioners and I did well.
Moaz Bhutta, Dubai
I think schools should concentrate on improving the quality of education rather than finding ways of how to make profits.
The education system here needs an overhaul.
Also I do not think that high fees mean those schools deliver better education. It’s time the authorities do something about it.
Abhay Chandel, Dubai
