If you’re heading to the UAE anytime soon expect to lose use of Skype and likely other VoIP type services.
A report this morning in Arabian Business advises that local operators are using proxy servers and packet filtering to block the use of Skype and other PC to phone services.
Update–Skype has respnded to my request for comment:
This statement is from Huey Tan, Skype’s Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs:
“The Internet has enabled Skype to break barriers, shorten distances, open up opportunities and connect people on a global scale.
In the UAE, Skype-to-Skype calls are not illegal according to recent TRA policy (http://tra.ae/pdf/policies_regulations/FAQVoIPFinal.pdf). Nevertheless, the UAE government appears to tolerate local operators that block access to Skype’s global website at www.skype.com, rather than promote a healthy competitive market, which would offer greater choice and affordability options to local consumers.
In spite of this, there exists an established and growing base of active Skype users in the region reflecting strong consumer demand.”