ABU DHABI // Skype has become the latest internet service to be blocked in the UAE to the frustration of users.
The Microsoft-owned company said on Sunday there was “very little” it could do after the service ceased to function in the country over the weekend.
Users said they were unable to connect to the service, which has more than 70 million users.
The halt in service came after WhatsApp calls were enabled following a global updated last week, only to be blocked again the following day.
“It has been brought to our attention that our website and services have been blocked by both of the ISPs in the United Arab Emirates,” the Luxembourg-based company said.
“That means you won't be able to use Skype in the United Arab Emirates.
“Unfortunately, there is very little Skype can do about this situation. The best course of action would be for you to speak to your ISP and ask why they are blocking Skype and request that they unblock our site and services.”
On Twitter, users spoke of their frustration at being unable to contact family and friends over the holiday season, with many tweeting at telecoms providers Du and Etisalat, and the telecoms regulatory, the TRA.
One user, named Mo, such moves leave the country “light years behind in communication”.
“And yet we thrive to be the best,” he added.
WhatsApp’s call feature has been blocked since it was launched last November. This is in line with other internet calling services from providers such as Viber, Snapchat and Facebook. The popular in-game voice chat app Discord is also blocked.
The call functions are not licensed in the UAE, meaning they are effectively blocked. The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority last week said the service should not be available and was unaware of any changes that would allow access, and WhatsApp voice calls went offline soon after.
The TRA pointed internet users to a previous statement that read: “Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) are considered part of the UAE’s regulated activities. The TRA has granted licensed operators the eligibility to provide such services across their networks. Companies wishing to provide such services should coordinate with the UAE’s licensed service providers in this regard.”
