With Skype gone, Etisalat launches internet calling plans

Etisalat has launched internet calling plans, 11 days after Skype stopped working in the UAE.

The unlimited calling plans let subscribers use government-approved voice over internet protocol (VoIP) apps at a fixed rate of Dh52.50 a month on mobile devices, and Dh105 a month on a computer connected to an eLife account.

Botim and C’Me are the only apps that comply with UAE regulatory framework requirements for VoIP calling.

Both parties need to download one of the two apps to connect with each other.

Du offers a similar package at the same price, and Botim and C’Me are also the only VoIP apps that can be used with it.

Etisalat said other VoIP apps could be added to their package in the future.

Users outside the UAE do not need to pay for using the government-approved apps at this time, a customer services representative said, but this could change at the discretion of overseas internet service providers.

Disruptions began on Skype on December 28. In response, a petition was started by a Dubai

resident on change.org, urging a change in VoIP policy.

The campaign, called UAE:

Stop Blocking VoIP Services, received more than 1,000 signatures by January 2.

The change.org website is now blocked.

The UAE cites security concerns as its reason for limiting access to VoIP services offered by WhatsApp, Viber and Facebook, among others.