1.1 The advent of new transmission technologies that make use of the Internet have and are  having a profound impact on the development of Telecommunication Services and  Telecommunication Networks . One group of such technologies is often referred to as " VoIP ".  1.2 However , the term VoIP is often used in different ways by different commentators for  different purposes . Sometimes it is used to refer to a transmission and routing technology , and  at other times to a service offered over one of a number of different types of related technologies  . Moreover , VoIP is often used interchangeably with other terms such " Internet Telephony ".  Such confusion in the exact meaning and import of the term VoIP often confuses the policy  debate . The TRA believes that such confusion exists in the public debate within the State  concerning VoIP .  1.3 In any event , while such technologies may bring some short - term advantages to consumers  , if they are introduced and allowed to be provided on an unregulated basis at too early a stage in  the development of a liberalising regime , they can in fact be counterproductive as regards  consumer interests , and retard the process of introducing sustainable and meaningful  competition .  1.4 The purpose of this Policy is to clarify the TRA's position as regards the provision of VoIP  Services ( as defined ) in the United Arab Emirates .  1.5 This Policy replaces the TRA's Voice over Internet Protocol ( VoIP ) Policy Version 1.0  issued on 26th December 2006 .  2 . Definitions  All words , terms and phrases used in this Regulatory Policy shall have the meanings ascribed to  them , if any , in the Federal Law by Decree No 3 of 2003 Regarding the Organization of the  Telecommunications Sector , unless otherwise provided for in this Policy . The following terms  and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to them below when used in this Policy :      Alternative Voice  Services  Any Telecommunication Service allowing Users to carry on real time voice communications , other than  VoIP Services .  Application for  Exemption  Application for Exemption referred to in paragraph 4.2 of this Policy .