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Google denies Mideast VOIP roll-out rumours

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Tuesday, 7 September 2010 5:42 PM

GOOGLE SEARCH: VOIP services are banned in some countries, such as the UAE, unless they are provided in conjunction with local licensed operators.(Getty Images)

GOOGLE SEARCH: VOIP services are banned in some countries, such as the UAE, unless they are provided in conjunction with local licensed operators.(Getty Images)

Google has denied that will provide Middle East versions of its new Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP), which was rolled out in the US last month.

Local media had reported that the web giant would be providing localised versions of the Google Voice, although Google described this as “pure speculation”.

“Google VOIP is not available in MENA nor has Google announced plans for a localized version in this region. Google VOIP is currently only available in the US. We have nothing further to announce.”

VOIP services are banned in some countries, such as the UAE, unless they are provided in conjunction with local licensed operators.

Some Google Voice webpages already appear to have been blocked by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA).

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Posted by: Punch Wednesday, 8 September 2010 5:05 PM[UAE] - UAE

It's amazing to me that Osman Sultan and his counterparts at Etisalat and TRA haven't finally woken up and accepted what is the case for every telco in the developed world....ie that they are INTERNET PROVIDERS, not telephone companies. Oh yes, I forgot....this is Dubai......zzzzzzzzzzzz

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