Why exactly is Skype forbidden in UAE?
 

Do you have any views on that? What is the exact argument(s) of the telcos?

Thanks,
P.

Re: Why exactly is Skype forbidden in UAE?
 

Its because only Etisalat and Du have licenses to provide telecomunications services. Skye do not.

or in other words there is a state duopoly (a monopoly on landlines and effectively a monopoly on internet) and they will lose money if people are able to use Skype.

Re: Why exactly is Skype forbidden in UAE?
 

In Europe, Skype hasn't a licence either (I think) since it is a software and not a telco itself. But I do see what you mean...

Thx

Re: Why exactly is Skype forbidden in UAE?
 

Yes, the official reason given is that Skype is effectively an unlicensed telco, and hence illegal. The real reason, of course, is that Etisalat and du make a great deal of money from expats making international calls at very high prices, and Skype provides unwelcome competition. Competition is fine in Dubai, as long as it doesn't threaten the income of the existing monopoly (yes, I know that doesn't make sense).

On a more positive note, the leaked memo from the TRA about their internet censorship policy indicates that while Skype-to-phone is prohibited, Skype-to-Skype is permitted. This is certainly borne out on du - Skype-to-phone is blocked (unless you use a VPN), Skype-to-Skype works fine.

Re: Why exactly is Skype forbidden in UAE?
 

Ok, I see...so is then at least Skype-to-Skype legal or not? I don't care for Skype-to-Phone ;)

Re: Why exactly is Skype forbidden in UAE?
 

yes it is. but you won't be able to access the website to update skype.

Re: Why exactly is Skype forbidden in UAE?
 

From what I read recently, I think it's a religious issue...
Beard Man and the other boy will be here tomorrow to muse upon it further...

Re: Why exactly is Skype forbidden in UAE?
 

Halftime??? What's the score???

Re: Why exactly is Skype forbidden in UAE?
 

0:0

Re: Why exactly is Skype forbidden in UAE?
 

The Hollench will win again probably...

Re: Why exactly is Skype forbidden in UAE?
 

it's not going very well....

Re: Why exactly is Skype forbidden in UAE?
 

Supposedly yes - as mentioned earlier, it's permitted as per the TRA's internet policy.

Certainly, du have blocked Skype-to-phone but Skype-to-Skype still works, and the Skype website works normally. Now that it seems that they've got a system that allows selective blocking of Skype functions, Etisalat ought to unblock the website too, if they haven't already.

Re: Why exactly is Skype forbidden in UAE?
 

What??? The red invasion???

Re: Why exactly is Skype forbidden in UAE?
 

Ok, sounds good...I will check out once I have move to AD (will happen in July)...so see you all around.

Cheers,
P.

Re: Why exactly is Skype forbidden in UAE?
 

the Russians are playing good...or should I say...the Dutch are playing bad...