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TRA Set to Allow VoIP Calls Soon
Jan 06, 2010 (Khaleej Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, or TRA, will soon announce a policy to provide phone calls over the internet through the UAE's two telecom operators etisalat and du.
From 2010, residents will also be able to switch their mobile phone service provider, between the two operators, without changing their number.
Residents will be able to obtain services for internet phone calls, or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), when the policy is introduced.
"The TRA is in the process of implementing a new VoIP policy," according to an emailed statement from the authority. "It is expected that this policy will be published soon, and will be made available on the TRA website."
Only etisalat and du will provide the service to the public. "The exception to this will be certain prescribed uses, which deal with educational and public interest purposes," the statement said.
The service is expected to allow a greater range of telecommunications possibilities.
VoIP is currently banned across the UAE. However, many expatriates have demanded the service as a cheaper alternative to make overseas calls.
"To me the implementation of VoIP by service providers like du and etisalat means that I don't have to worry about how many extra seconds I have been on the phone while talking to friends and family back home," said Nikhil Uzgare, an events organiser.
"It will also be cheaper co-ordinating for our rock shows with event organisers in India. Anything to shave off those extra dirhams I have to spend otherwise."
Popular providers such as Skype are banned in the country.
"The VoIP services will allow more flexibility for customers, as they will be able to utilise this technology in their internal network, using converged networks and using single connections," the statement said.
"VoIP will allow companies to integrate voice with other compatible IT components. It will also allow firms to save on running costs and they will also only have to maintain a single infrastructure instead of two."
However, an authority media official would not comment on etisalat and du's readiness to launch the services upon implementation.
Nor would the official comment on the potential impact on revenue.
Nobody was available to comment at either service provider late on Tuesday.
A service for the Mobile Number Portability, which allows residents to switch providers but keep the same number, will be provided by the authority at a 'one-stop-shop'.
Mobile subscribers wishing to change their current service provider will be able to switch by approaching the other company for service.
Once the formalities are concluded the subscribers will retain their mobile numbers while being served by the new service provider.
Email: ramavarman@khaleejtimes.com
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