Dubai: UAE telecommunication providers on Monday have stopped offering the Qatari-owned sports network beIN.
However, it is unclear how long the beIN channels will remain off the air.
When contacted by Gulf News, du said in a statement: “We would like to confirm the services of beIN Sports are currently suspended. Our customer service teams will be in touch with all affected customers.”
BeIN Sports was not available for comment.
When Gulf News called the Etisalat customer care centre on Tuesday morning, an automated message said that beIN sports channels and the Al Jazeera news channel was no longer available on eLife television.
“This is a generic issue and not related to your eLife TV. We regret the inconvenience,” said the message.
The network acquired Al Jazeera’s sports channels in 2013, according to AP reports. It broadcasts in North America, Europe and Asia, as well as the Middle East and North Africa.
A number of UAE residents took to Twitter to express their frustration over the disruption in services, and have started searching for alternative sources to watch sports.
Twitter user @madhavdar said: “So beIN sports has gone off air as of this evening. I hope u will not be charging for the channels for getting a replacement in place?”
Another Twitter user, @Myr_Naj, said: “I’m officially paying for nothing (sports package on eLife). No beIN, no subscription. I would like a refund.”
At present, the beIN Sports channels show the message: “This channel is currently unavailable”, written across a blue screen.
The beIN Sports website has also been blocked by UAE network providers.
Network providers du and Etisalat were not available to comment when services are expected to resume.
However, du did confirm that it is currently allowing customers to cancel their subscription with no penalty.
