Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services are threatening telecommunication services in the Emirates. Customers are making long distance phone calls at lower prices, which amount to a fraction of those charged by telecom operators like Etisalat and du. 

Rapid TV News reports that a multi-million Euro development contract has been signed by Saudi Telecom (STC) and Alcatel-Lucent for the expansion of the former’s broadband access network in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As part of the project, Alcatel-Lucent will deploy its IPsolution, the Intelligent Services Access Manager, to deliver data-rich multimedia services such as IPTV, VoIP and content-on-demand, in addition to network design, deployment, commissioning and project management support.

Arabian Business reports that Google has denied that it will provide Middle East versions of its new Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP), which was rolled out in the US last month. Local media had reported that the web giant would be providing localised versions of the Google Voice, according to the source, although Google described this as “pure speculation”.