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Is VoIP Legal Everywhere?
Over the last few years the popularity of VoIP has increased dramatically, and many companies are now making the switch from ISDN to this much newer, hassle-free technology, which means their employees can work on a variety of different applications and hardware with fewer restrictions.
Despite this fact, there are still a few countries around the world where VoIP isn’t yet legal for many different reasons. While it makes clear sense to invest in the technology for your company, also be aware of the places around the globe that don’t yet allow it, or where there is restricted access for people in business and at home.
Reasons that VoIP may be blocked
Firstly, there are security and safety reasons, depending on the protocols of the country. For instance, as far back as 2013, it was banned for use in Saudi Arabia, though this was eventually lifted four years later when it was realised that using such technology from professional VoIP service providers would boost the economy and further encourage the growth of technology-based businesses, and since then it has proved to be the right decision.
Secondly, some countries believe that international calling fees are still a huge source of important revenue and income. In places like Qatar and the UAE, VoIP is allowed, but it is restricted as the government there believed that they were losing a significant amount of money from telecom service providers. However, it isn’t banned completely.
VoIP as an essential business tool
VoIP technology from professional service providers is an essential business tool, and the rate at which it is developing means that it may not be long before many countries that have restrictions on such services might have to look to lift them altogether.
In the last year it has been announced that companies such as British Telecom and Deutsche Telecom will be phasing out their ISDN services. Admittedly, this will not be immediate and it will happen over a period of a few years, but it could potentially create problems for businesses globally who still rely on this form of technology, or who are prevented from using it as fully as they could because of government restrictions.
More businesses globally are making the switch, not only because it offers a cost-effective and reliable service, but also because of the freedom and flexibility that it offers to businesses and homes. Users no longer need to be tied to a phone line or a desk in an office, but can make calls and send messages from their smart devices and laptops. This offers the opportunity for more remote working options, and the chance for more business savings to be made.
What does the future hold for the countries who restrict VoIP?
The countries that block or restrict VoIP will, over time, face many challenges that may be costly and could potentially put them out of business. The good news is that laws do seem to be changing and governments are becoming more flexible and open in their approach. In recent months, talks have been taking place between countries like the UAE and Qatar and tech giants like Apple and Microsoft, in order that they’ll hopefully lift their bans on essential tech such as Skype. This can only result in a positive outcome for the businesses in these countries that may come to rely on technology like this in the future.
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