UAE's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) is holding discussions with software giants Microsoft and Apple to allow online call services through their popular apps, Skype and FaceTime, respectively, in the country. This is in the wake of the extreme popularity of social media in all walks of life, and the way the UAE is thriving on digital technology and communication. No nation can remain an island in these hyper-connected times, and anyone threatening to do so, will face dire consequences in terms of being cut off from humanity's trends and other social norms. It would be like reversing the ontological thrust of technology and communication, and existing in a vacuum. No nation wants that, obviously!
A report in the Arabic daily Al Ittihad quoted the Telecommunications and Regulatory Authority (TRA) director general Hamad Obaid Al Mansouri as saying that the government is holding talks with Microsoft and Apple to unblock Skype and FaceTime in the U.A.E.
The decision comes in the light of Microsoft and Apple becoming giants in the industry, and having a significant impact on the local population and the local psyche. Also, this is in the wake of Apple and Microsoft's slow but heavy intake in the region. Apple opened its first store in Dubai and expanded to Abu Dhabi last year while Microsoft announced the opening of two data centers earlier this year.
Voice-over-internet-protocol(VoIP) apps are currently illegal in the U.A.E., though the telecom companies in the country offer a paid version of them. Inspite of these restrictions, Skype was still working for users until January this year. On the other hand, FaceTime is not available in iPhone handsets purchased within the country.
Although other legal VoIP apps are available, but there's an additional cost that one has to bear. Apps like Botim and C’Me charge a monthly fee to avail their services. Local telecom companies charge a fee of around AED50 for internet calling using mobile data and AED100 for internet calling using WiFi.
The news that discussions are happening over a potential lifting of the ban is likely to be welcomed with open arms by UAE residents, who are very keen to use these services and get more social networking-savvy, just like other citizens of the world are.
Currently, people have to use alternatives provided by local telecom companies such as Etisalat instead of usind free services available through the internet.
While officials claim that the number of people availing these paid services are going up, their higher/additional cost puts them beyond the reach of many.
The UAE's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority is following the example of other nations in the Middle East and North Africa by restricting the use of VoIP services.
The reason given behind the ban is quite unclear. Although licensing is quoted as the main reason to block services, some analysts claim commercial reasons, especially the likely loss of revenue to state-controlled telecom providers, and security concerns, because of the use of encrypted communications, are more likely to be at play.
Do you have something interesting you would like to share? Write to us at [email protected]
