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Web sites offering free SMS to mobiles via Internet blocked

DUBAI — Web sites that offer free short message (SMS) services to mobile phones via the Internet have been blocked in the UAE as they fall under the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), a UAE Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) official said yesterday.

Last year, the TRA blocked all VoIP facilities saying that the service was part of the conventional mobile and fixed line services and should be licensed. The ban includes all PC to phone calls via the Internet although PC to PC calls are legal. The official added that the TRA was studying the current VoIP status in the country.

Meanwhile, people using the SMS web sites decried the ban saying there were hardly any costs involved, so the service should not be banned.

“Some websites offer up to eight to 10 free SMSes per day (after you have registered with them), which can be sent to any local or international mobile number. On other web sites, you need to download a software which can be used to send text messages. It has been a convenient way of sending messages and cost free as well,” said Mohammed Ali, a user. “I have been trying to access a similar site where I am registered but have been unable to do so,” said Fareed, another user who was unaware of the reason behind the ban.

The TRA official also said that since sending messages through the Internet was similar to making calls from a PC to a phone, therefore, it was considered a VoIP service. “Only the telecom operators, including Etisalat and du, have the right to these kind of services,” the TRA official said.