Come 20 September, Saudi online app users, including WhatsApp, Viber and Skype, will be able to make voice and video calls after the strict Kingdom lifted the ban disallowing users from accessing those features, according to the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Al Sawaha.

The block was removed after some of the apps met the government’s regulatory requirements, said Al Sawaha on Wednesday.

The move is part of the ministry’s “Customer Comes First” policy, which, according to the ministry, focuses on improving customer service for both Saudi and non-Saudi residents.

Al Sawaha said in a statement that his ministry is working hand in hand with telecom providers to enable customers to gain access to online voice and video call applications.

“It reflects our sustained efforts to provide users of telecom services in the Kingdom with the finest services that meet their expectations and needs,” Al-Sawaha underlined.

While this is going to save residents a lot of money on international calling, it will also prove beneficial from a corporate point of view.

Video-conferencing will become easier and more frequent in business, while human resources will save bundles of money by reducing the cost of regular international calls.

The number of Saudis using their smartphones for Internet access is amongst the highest in the world.