UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) stressed its current regulations still limit Internet telephony and telecom services to Etisalat (News - Alert) and Du after rumors hit the Internet that websites such as Skype have been unblocked.
The TRA is a federal telecommunications regulatory agency of the United Arab Emirates that was established in 2003 as a way to regulate the Information Communications and Telecommunications sector throughout the UAE. The TRA is supposed to ensure sustainability, competitiveness, and transparency among the communication providers being used in the area.
Due to the TRA being an independent organization, it is allowed to establish rules and regulations determining how licenses, regulations and rules are used in the interest of its customers. The organization claims it has always prohibited non-licensed organizations from offering telecom services.
This regulation limits consumers’ access to a variety of online VoIP services – some, which are free and offer additional services not currently being offered through Etisalat and Du – such as Skype (News - Alert).
The TRA released a statement stressing that this regulation has not been amended or changed in anyway and should be taken seriously. “As to what the licensees have done in unblocking Skype’s website in the UAE, this action does not change the position of the TRA or amend the policy as this service is considered a Regulated Activity, therefore, it must be provided by a licensee,” said the TRA.
“Should the service be provided through a partnership with a third party, both Licensees must seek approval to provide such service after fulfilling the regulatory and technical requirements of the TRA, which has not happened in the case of Skype. VoIP services through Skype are still unauthorized.”
Thus, consumers will not have the ability to communicate via VoIP using an application of their choice. The TRA has not commented on other applications or if any other company besides Etisalat and Du will be offering VoIP licenses.
Edited by Rich Steeves