By Masam Mahmood
FaceTime is an Apple video telephony application that allows you to call, chat, and share your thoughts with any of your friends by using Apple devices. Apple’s FaceTime service is free to use but does require an Apple ID, Cellular connection (3G/4G) or a Wi-Fi connection.
PTA has restricted access, stopped all FaceTime features and notified all mobile phone companies (Telenor, Warid, Mobilink, Ufone) that have recently launched the IPhone models (6 & 6plus) to block FaceTime app. What this means is that if you purchase an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 plus, the FaceTime app will not work.
But if person purchases an iPhone model from grey channel or markets outside from Middle East (Pakistan/SaudiaArabia/UAE), FaceTime app will work perfectly. This is because access is controlled on the handset and coded for region specific hardware by Apple.
In UAE (United Arab Emirates), Facetime is blocked on the Internet but also is blocked in the iPhone hardware sold there. The UAE’s Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA) restricts access to portions of the web as well as person- to-person video communication such as Apple’s FaceTime.
This is not controlled on the handset but rather via the country’s carriers. This is exactly what PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) are trying to implement. Carriers in Pakistan are offering UAE region based iPhone handsets which are most likely offering the same features and restrictions.
To help you find an alternative to FaceTime for iPhone, we have narrowed the selection down to the five best options.
The author is a Electronics Engineer – Development by profession. He holds MSc. Intelligent Systems, degree from Sweden and works with a cellular company.