REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser

RIYADH (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia will remove its ban on internet phone calls on Thursday, a government spokesman said, in a bid to stimulate online business as the kingdom looks to boost non-oil revenue. In a news release, the CITC explained its decision to reverse the internet and VoIP calling ban, which it implemented in 2013:

“The Spokesman for the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC), Mr. Adel Abu Hameed, today announced the lifting of the ban on all applications that provide voice and video communications over the Internet that meet the regulatory requirements in the Kingdom, starting on Thursday… [at midnight]. The conservative kingdom has previously banned internet phone calls - known as Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) - restricting the ability of Saudis and expatriate residents to communicate with the outside world. He added that the Authority is working with all stakeholders to provide all the telecom subscribers in the Kingdom of the finest services that meet their aspirations and satisfy their needs.”

The change is expected to impact Saudi Telecom Company, Mobily and Zain, the country’s three major telecoms which had exercised control over the market for international calling over the course of the ban.
Saudi Arabia lifts its 2013 ban on internet calls, effective midnight local time (21:00 UTC).