Caught in the Net: Skype

Skype, a voice over Internet protocol service that allows users to make long–distance telephone calls free of charge on their PCs, has Western telecoms worried. But at least one government in the Middle East has found a way to cope with the new competition. The United Arab Emirates recently blocked access to Skype, angering the ...

Skype, a voice over Internet protocol service that allows users to make long–distance telephone calls free of charge on their PCs, has Western telecoms worried. But at least one government in the Middle East has found a way to cope with the new competition. The United Arab Emirates recently blocked access to Skype, angering the many foreigners who call Dubai home. Asked if the UAE banned Skype to protect its monopoly on telephone service, a spokesman for the state-owned firm said, "That's not a fair [accusation]." But he declined to offer another explanation.

Skype, a voice over Internet protocol service that allows users to make long–distance telephone calls free of charge on their PCs, has Western telecoms worried. But at least one government in the Middle East has found a way to cope with the new competition. The United Arab Emirates recently blocked access to Skype, angering the many foreigners who call Dubai home. Asked if the UAE banned Skype to protect its monopoly on telephone service, a spokesman for the state-owned firm said, "That’s not a fair [accusation]." But he declined to offer another explanation.

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