SPOTLIGHT: VoIP calls legal in Qatar; resale needs license

The Supreme Council for Information and Communications Technology (ictQATAR) has said the use of VoIP technology in the state of Qatar is allowed. However, the telecommunications laws on the books make it illegal for any person to provide services to the public for either a direct or indirect fee without a license from ictQATAR.

Currently, the only two VoIP licensees are Qatar Telecom and Vodafone Qatar. A "large number" of Qatar residents use VoIP to make cheaper or free international calls and it's OK to use VoIP services, but selling VoIP calls or services to either the public or businesses is a no-no without a valid license. Skype seems to fall into a gray area, with personal use OK.

The ruling hasn't shut down Internet cafes in Doha from offering phone services to the public.

For more:
- Gulf Times reports on Qatar clarification on VoIP legality

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