Have your say: Internet telephony

The UAE's telecom operator Etisalat may change its stance on internet telephony before the end of the year, according to an official within the company.

Etisalat currently curbs the use of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services - which allow people to make cheap long distance and international phone calls over the internet.

Would this be a good move? Do you already use VoIP to make international phone calls? If not will you use an internet telephony service if it becomes available? Do you think the service will be competitive compared to other existing VoIP services?

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I have been residing in Canada for the past year for my undergrad studies. It is really hard for me to have any means of communication with my folks. They have spent a huge  amount on making international calls to talk to me. A service that that allows VoIP would be the solution to my problem. So far I can communicate over MSN with them but a better and a more competitive service would be highly appreciated as voice conversations are not always clear.
Radhika
Sharjah

It is a good decision, launching internet telephony from Etisalat. This will reduce high telephone bills and it can be a relief to the middle class consumer.
Zakariya
Dubai

This Technology shouldn’t be stopped. This will not only bring us closer to each other globally but will also create more awareness of technology and learning. Technology is the most powerful tool now which in fact should not be denied for any personal gains.
Fahim
Abu Dhabi

This is a very positive move by Etisalat. VOIP is the best solution to reduce communication costs and I am sure that Etisalat can double its profit by adopting this technology because VOIP is he only way to communicate with families and friends for a long time.
Hussain
Dubai

Since the move has taken by Etisalat, I am sure it will be better than other VOIP services. Say goodbye to high costs for conventional telecommunications systems. Don't pay double for telecom and internet services. Say hello to Voice-over-IP and make use of the technology with which data and speech are transferred simultaneously and for which separate telephone cabling is no longer necessary. It reduces long distance telephone costs. We can save up to 80%.
Ruby
UAE

Somehow I feel this technology is almost old. Even in small developing countries they have Voip. I dont know why Etisalat is so backward and always too late in introducing new technologies to a fast growing country like the UAE. Etisalat says it's liberalising the telecom area by introducing VOIP. Readers tell me what do you mean by liberalisation when no other foreign telecom operators are allowed in the UAE?
Kenneth
By email

As with any new technology, there is a learning curve and time for assessment, as to whether or not this technology will help or hinder. To block its free use goes against the stated objectives of the UAE to continue marching toward modernization and to become an international business center.  VOiP is the prefered communication tool of this decade, and to curb its use is a step backward. 
BG
by Email

It is one of the long awaited technologies in the Gulf countries, since it is of interest to consumers, the idea is most welcome.  Will Etisalat give a more competitive price than lot of the currently available VOIP providers? Definitely. It also opens up the new business market to lot of businessmen for providing VOIP consultancies and call shops.  Since Dubai is at the cutting edge in introducing latest technologies,  this will keep Dubai competitive against any Western or US countries in telecom sector.
Ahmed
UAE