The National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) has instructed the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to enable free-of-charge consumption for some mobile applications designed for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), with the beginning of Ramadan. This comes as part of NTRA role in easing access to telecommunication and Internet services for PwDs, being an integral part of the Egyptian society.
NTRA initiative aims to help people with visual and hearing impairments through different life aspects. Consumption of those applications will not be deducted from the Internet package of different MNOs. In this regard, NTRA also instructed telecommunication companies to provide more disability-friendly applications and services.
The mentioned applications offer a variety of features, such as object recognition, currency recognition, e-reader, and spontaneous video conversation with sighted volunteers. The applications for visually impaired people include Be My Eyes, TapTapSee, and Cash Reader; they are compatible with different mobile operating systems. Meanwhile, Wasel app, which handles inquiries on public utilities and emergency services in the sign language, via videoconference, has been made available free-of-charge for people with hearing impairment.