Regulatory Policy, Voice over Internet Protocol, Version 2.0, Issued 30 December 2009 1. 2. Purpose and Scope 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. 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. Internet The publicly available worldwide collection of Telecommunication Networks that transmit data by Packet Switching using the Internet Protocol (IP), which allows them to function as a single virtual network. Page 4 of 8