Skype banned in UAE
- Skype, the popular software that allows users to make voice and video calls via internet, has been blocked in the UAE
- According to UAE-based telecom company Etisalat, the access to Skype has been blocked over unlicensed VoIP calls
- The access to the Skype app is blocked since it provides unlicensed Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Service, which falls under prohibited contents as per UAE Regulatory Framework
- Users across UAE reported facing disruptions to the service over the weekend
- Skype is a telecommunications application software product that specializes in providing video chat and voice calls between computers, tablets, mobile devices via internet and to regular telephones
- Etisalat is one of the two national telecommunications operators in UAE, and the 14th largest mobile network operator in the world
- Etisalat is the largest carrier of international voice traffic in the Middle East and Africa and the 12th largest voice carrier in the world
- Etisalat and du both have confirmed the ban on Skype in UAE, and are providing alternative solutions
- Both du and Etisalat have offered VoIP-based apps Botim and C’Me as part of their unlimited voice and video call services
