The UAE can be a passionate place to talk about video or audio calls online, with debates over whether VPNs are legal or why some VoIP services are banned.
Here is a breakdown of all you need to know about what is and what isn’t legal.
VPN: What is it?
By connecting to a virtual network, a VPN – or Virtual Private Network – allows a user to bypass monitoring online. There are some free VPN providers, but most ad-free versions charge a monthly or yearly fee. Prices depend on the provider’s speed and flexibility.
Once you set up an account, the VPN makes your connection more secure and allows you to remain anonymous. This allows you to access sites that may be blocked on your network. In order to do this, it connects to a global network of servers that mask your original IP address.
Access to a VPN is legal in the UAE, depending on certain terms and conditions. As part of this, you cannot access websites that are violating the laws that regulate VoIP access within the country.
VoIP – what is it?
With VoIP – Voice over Internet Protocol – you can make audio and video calls over the internet. VoIP is a technology that converts your voice or camera input into a digital signal, allowing you to make a call from your computer, VoIP phone, or other data-driven gadgets like tablets.
This enables people to make long-distance calls, and in the UAE, where there is a large expat population, making international calls plays an important role in keeping in touch with family and friends.
VoIP services must be registered with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) in order to be used in the UAE. VPNs are legal in the UAE.
Which services are available?
Calls made via Skype and WhatsApp are blocked by the Telecommunications regulatory authority.
Etisalat and du offer access to the Botim app that is registered with the TRA. Users are charged Dh50 per month if they want to use the app with data. It costs Dh100 per month for users to access the app through their WiFi connection.
The new app Yzer also registered for the right to offer its services to du customers.