Saudi Arabia to lift ban on Internet calls

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will lift a ban on Internet phone calls, a government spokesman said, part of efforts to attract more business to the country. All online voice and video call services such as Microsoft’s Skype and Facebook’s WhatsApp that satisfy regulatory requirements will become accessible at midnight (21:00 GMT), Adel Abu Hameed, spokesman for the telecoms regulator CITC said on Twitter on Wednesday. The policy reversal represents part of the Saudi government’s broad reforms to diversify the economy partly in response to low oil prices, which have hit the country’s finances. “Digital transformation is one of the key kick-starters for the Saudi economy, as it will incentivise the growth of Internet-based businesses, especially in the media and entertainment industries,” a statement from the information ministry said. — Reuters