By Xinhua
Abu Dhabi : United Arab Emirates (UAE) will continue its ban on software programme Skype and other services based on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), a low-cost web-based communication technology, the Gulf News reported Monday.
VoIP services will be allowed only through the two licensed operators in the country, Etisalat and Du, said Mohammad N. Al Ganem, director general of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA).
According to TRA’s current policy, all VoIP services that use the Internet are prohibited.
The technology has become a major issue of public debate for many expatriate residents in the UAE who look for an affordable means of communicating with families back home.
“VoIP for everyone is still under consultation. No time frame can be set on when that’s going to be allowed,” Ganem said.
“We are doing a lot of consultation and we are looking into what’s happening around the world with regard to VoIP. However, we are taking it very seriously,” he added.
“Once we finish with the industry consultation, we will look at it,” he said.