After blocking Skype calls in the United Arab Emirates, Etisalat launched a tariff plan for government-approved VoIP services.
Etisalat launched a new tariff plan for calls over the Internet 11 days after Skype calls were limited in the UAE.
Unlimited tariff plans allow subscribers to use government-approved voice over Internet (VoIP) applications with a fixed fee of AED 52.5 ($ 14.3) per month on mobile devices and AED 105 ($ 28.5) on a computer connected to eLife.
BOTIM and C'Me are currently the only applications that meet the requirements of the UAE authorities for making VoIP calls. Users need to download one of two applications to connect.
du offers a similar package at the same price, and BOTIM and C'Me are also the only available VoIP applications.
Etisalat states that other applications may be added to the package in the future.
A customer service representative said that users outside the UAE might not have to pay for a government-approved application. He also said that this rule could change at the discretion of the international Internet service provider. A monthly fee will be charged automatically every 30 days.
VPN services, often used to circumvent local Internet restrictions, remain illegal in the UAE.
The UAE cites security concerns as a reason for restricting access to VoIP services, including WhatsApp, Viber, Snapchat, and Facebook.
