Efonica welcomes TRA decision to re-consider ban on Internet telephony

Roger Karam, CEO of Efonica, said that Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, had made it possible for many people in the Arab world to connect with each other through affordable communications. "The decision to review VoIP's implementation is a positive step, and we are eager to see that the UAE also becomes an important part of this global revolution," Karam said.

Efonica's parent company Fusion is a listed company based in New York. Efonica's regional office is located in Dubai Internet City, and Efonica is the only VoIP service with an office in the Middle East.

In a news report appearing on October 10, a top TRA official pointed out that the authority was studying all aspects of the ban on VoIP in the country. The announcement came in response to the growing demand from residents and business for greater access to Internet telephony technology.

An advanced Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solution, Efonica's revolutionary Worldwide Internet Area Code allows consumers to call each other using their existing landline or mobile telephone numbers.

Calls can be made to and from any combination of PCs, Internet phones and regular telephones (with a SIP adapter), connected to either a wireless, broadband or dial-up Internet connection.

Karam noted that due to the ease of use and cost effectiveness of VoIP communications, the lifting of the ban would benefit businesses that depend on international communications as well as large numbers of expatriate residents who wish to stay in touch with their loved ones back home.

"Many companies that have set up operations in Dubai have offices all over the world and need to maintain regular contact with their colleagues through a cost-effective and efficient system," he said. "Awareness of the advantages of VoIP communications is increasing and the Arab world has to catch up quickly in the VoIP race."

In the Middle East, the Efonica service is so far available in several countries throughout the region.

Ibrahim Choueiry, Efonica's Regional Director for Asia and Africa, said, "The lifting of the ban on VoIP will further highlight the UAE's stature as an early adopter of best technology. We are confident that VoIP will open up new opportunities in communications and allow regional and international companies based in the UAE to become even more competitive."