Internet calling is coming soon (and has been coming soon since 2006)

The Khaleej Times have a piece today saying that

, according to a statement from the

.

Internet calling has been banned and/or regulated out of existence in the UAE since 2006, because the TRA consider it to be a competitor to traditional telecom networks, and therefore requiring a UAE telecom license to be legal. How do you get one of those licenses? Well, the TRA is working on a new licensing system. And it has been since 2006.

Here is a short collection of quotes from TRA management on the introduction of internet calling services in the UAE:

"We are working on a phased approach to allow VoIP to be introduced to the local market"

"We have opened VoIP to the licensed operators for national calls and are doing a consultation to again license operators for international calls...Gradually we will then be looking to the VOIP companies to operate in the UAE"

"We are doing a lot of consultation and we are looking into what's happening around the world with regard to VoIP. However, we are taking it very seriously"

"Once we finish our work, then these providers can come to the UAE. We are working on it and we will announce it in due time."

"We are working on it. We are discussing it right now, and we are working with the industry."

"We are working to regulate it. Currently, we are working on a regulatory framework. It's not finalised yet. It's just taking time because it's not easy to do."

"Both [etisalat and du] are free to explore ways to introduce VoIP services which may lead to lower phone call rates."

"I'm in discussions with the mobile operators regarding the introduction of VoIP," the TRA will "upgrade our VoIP policy soon."

"The TRA is in the process of implementing a new VoIP policy...It is expected that this policy will be published soon, and will be made available on the TRA website."