UAE - The head of Skype MEA Rouzbeh Pasha has called the TRA's updated VoIP policy in the UAE a 'small step' in advancing the country's communications market. Any company that wishes to offer VoIP services in the country needs to be licensed by the TRA or explore partnerships with the four existing 'licensees' that include Etisalat and Du. The TRA clarified that voice calls provided by Skype are a 'regulated activity' and that using the software to place calls over the Internet is considered illegal at this stage.

"TRA's decision to allow UAE's two incumbents to provide basic IP based communications is a small step in advancing UAE's communications market," said Pasha. "However, in advanced markets like the US, UK, France, Germany and Australia, no license is required to provide IP-based communications. Until real competition is introduced in the UAE communications market, prices will remain high and few new services will be deployed."