Skype not to be introduced​ 'overnight' in the UAE

VoIP services including Skype will be gradually phased into the market and may not be introduced overnight, a senior du official has said.

As telecom operators are witnessing increasing revenue from data in comparison to voice, a strategic shift of attitudes towards VoIP services is already visible.
Osman Sultan, du's Chief Executive Officer, speaking to Emirates 24|7 recently said it may still take a before Skype could be introduced and may not be made available immediately.

“If users are counting just on the fact that they will be able to do all their voice calls for free , it might not be immediately possible. Everybody can understand that telecom operators cannot let this happen overnight,” said Sultan.

According to him revenues are shifting from voice to data. “Data is becoming a more important component day after day. It is a growing part of our revenue. We need to find out a gliding path in order to move into this and we are doing it,” he added.

Du recently released its quarterly results where it said there has been an increase in revenue from data.

“Patterns in data usage continue to mirror global sector trends, with mobile data revenue growing from Dhs392m in Q1 2012 to Dhs520m in Q1 2013, representing a 32.77 per cent increase year on year,” a company’ announcement said.

Meanwhile, du says it has managed to reach 48 per cent share of the mobile telephony market in the country and is gearing up to cross the half way mark soon.

“Yes, expect it to be much more competitive and vigorous as we near the half way mark,” Sultan said.

Mobile revenues increased by 11.13 per cent year on year, reaching Dhs2.06bn, compared to Dhs1.85bn in Q1 2012. The company also says it managed to strengthen its position as operator of choice, adding 182,261 new mobile customers to its base during the first quarter of 2013, thereby bringing the total number of active mobile customer base to approximately 6,639,549.

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