Why exactly is Skype forbidden in UAE?
Jun 21st 2008, 6:51 pm
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 18
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.
Thanks,
P.
Jun 21st 2008, 6:54 pm
#2
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Dubai
Posts: 13,547
Re: Why exactly is Skype forbidden in UAE?
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.
Jun 21st 2008, 7:02 pm
#3
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 18
Re: Why exactly is Skype forbidden in UAE?
Thx
Jun 21st 2008, 7:06 pm
#4
Soupy twist
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,271
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.
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.
Jun 21st 2008, 7:45 pm
#12
Soupy twist
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,271
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.
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.
Jun 21st 2008, 7:50 pm
#14
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 18
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.
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.
Cheers,
P.