Dubai: Free calls are still possible between users of iPhones and Android-based handsets that have the Viber app installed, despite conflicting reports that it is being blocked in the UAE, users said.
UAE | General
Viber still working in the UAE
Free calls are still possible between users of iPhones and Android-based handsets that have the Viber app installed
- By Faisal Masudi, Staff reporter
- Published: 00:00 February 9, 2012
- Image Credit: © XPRESS / Francois Nel
- Viber allows free calls between iPhones and Android-platform mobile sets
Viber allows free calls and texts between iPhones and Android-platform mobile sets worldwide. It's a free app downloadable from the online App Store for iPhone and Google's Android Market.
Viber uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology instead of the usual phone network to connect users.
Some VoIP-based options like net-to-phone services for making cheap international phone calls from computers are banned in the UAE.
And though some Viber users have reported connection failures, others say it continues to work in the UAE. "You can use Viber even if you have no data plan on your iPhone by using any WiFi connection. I have been using it since March 2011, and only had occasional problems connecting," an Indian resident said.
Once installed, Viber shows which contacts on your phone also use Viber. There is no need to sign in; there are no user names or passwords. Users simply call or text other Viber users for free using its interface, which looks virtually identical to the screen display when making calls on the iPhone.
A version for Blackberry devices is in the works, Viber says on its website. The company states the sound quality of calls made through Viber is "much better" than regular calls. Viber had 20 million registered users within its first seven months.
Latest news
- UAE Ambassador meets Ireland President
- ‘Emirati boy, close to 12-and-a-half, looks 8 ’
- Young children should eat healthily: experts
- Special report: Health dilemma
- Traffic rules ignored by pedestrians
- Man killed in motorcycle crash
- Six jailed over defrauding businessman of Dh30m
- Special needs centres to be built soon
- Police hold six overtheft from containers
- Learning Arabic in the UAE
- Jamal Al Bah re-elected Chairman of AFO
- Khalifa and Mohammad congratulate Sharif
- Shaikh Saif receives Al Darmaki
- UAE has come a long way applying e Government
- Police arrest 400 in Sharjah raid
Community Reports
-
Traffic rules ignored by pedestrians
Reader points out how regardless of a pedestrian crossing, pedestrians continue to break the rules.
-
Have you seen reader’s dog?
Reader’s dog went missing in Al Warqaa 3 area in Dubai.
-
Make your own superhero art competition
Teenagers create their own superheroes and develop artistic skills
-
Save-a-Heart-Day teaches healthy heart lessons
Participants learn the value of developing good-living habits early on