Filed on May 1, 2018 | Last updated on May 1, 2018 at 09.16 am

TRA in talks with Microsoft, Apple to allow Skype, FaceTime calls in UAE

TRA currently allows unlimited paid calls on BOTIM and C'Me.

UAE's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) is holding discussions with software giants Microsoft and Apple to allow online call services through their popular apps, Skype and FaceTime, respectively, in the country.

According to a Al-Ittihad's report on Sunday, Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of the TRA, said that discussions aimed at providing the services in UAE, emphasising that their ties with the tech giants were 'strong and stable'.

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He added that as both firms are expanding their investments in UAE, with Microsoft opening - for the first time - two new data centers in the country.

Additionally, Apple has opened three stores in UAE - Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and Abu Dhabi's Yas mall - the only official Apple stores in the region.

Al Mansoori also noted the large number of subscribers in UAE for other calling applications, BOTIM and C'Me.

The story originally appeared here.