Using Skype in Morocco
Using Facetime and Skype in Morocco has been troublesome for many years.
Officially, there was a an outright ban on using many communications apps throughout Morocco.
Attempted use of the Apps such as Facetime, Skype, What’s app would usually result in interrupted connections, at best and no connections available, at the very worst.
Ban on using Facetime and Skype in Morocco lifted
On 4th November 2016, the ANRT (National Agency of Telecommunication Regulation) announced the official end to the ban of Apps and services which use VOIP (voice over IP) features.
The lifting of the ban on using Facetime and Skype in Morocco is, naturally, a very welcome move. Used by many tourists and locals throughout the country, the lifting of the ban comes, strangely, just in time for the COP 22 environmental summit which begins on 7th November 2016.
Apparently, the lifting of the ban of the use of VOIP apps in Morocco is permanent, allowing visitors and locals to once again save money and keep in contact with friends.
The ban was introduced countrywide after the creation of a new law in 1996. Some sceptics believe that the move was motivated by Maroc telecom investors in a bit to protect it’s ailing profits. The Apps such as Skype and Facetime allow users to bypass the high charges incurred when using Maroc telecom’s services.
According to Morocco World news, ANRT has promised to follow developments to ensure that Moroccan users have access to the best technological innovations.
Whilst the ban on Facetime and Skype in Morocco has been lifted, users still need to be aware that successful use of the apps ultimately depends upon the quality and speed of the internet connection.
The majority of Moroccan Hotels have free Wifi services. However, at busy times the speed of a free Wifi internet connection may grind to an absolute halt.
Users of free Hotel Wifi connections need to also be aware of the security risks associated with using unsecured connections.
Previous to the lifting of the Facetime and Skype ban in Morocco, some users found that the use of VPN (virtual private network) apps allowed them to bypass the ban.
One positive advantage of using a VPN in Morocco is that the connection is secure. So, even if you connect to the internet on an unsecure connection, the use of a VPN makes communications secure.
Visitors who use free Wifi at Cafe’s and Hotels, to purchase items may still wish to use a VPN service to protect their data from being intercepted. Free Wifi at Cafe’s and Hotels, are usually unsecured connections. Always check that your Wifi connection is a secure service for the best security when using Facetime and Skype in Morocco and other apps.