FAQ - Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA)

Who is the TRA? How was it Established?

The TRA is an independent public authority established under Federal Law by Decree No. 3 of 2003, to oversee the telecommunications sector and all Licensees of the UAE.

What is the Role of the TRA in the UAE?

The TRA role is to create an optimal enabling environment in which the UAE Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector will emerge as a leader in the global market place. It works to support and enable the ICT sector in the UAE by safeguarding competition, providing fair access to the domestic infrastructure, and ensuring the optimal use of natural resources through the implementation of best practice in every area.

What are the Powers and Functions of the TRA?

The TRA is entrusted with a wide range of responsibilities related to the telecommunications and Information Technology Sector, both within and outside the UAE. It is also responsible for representing the UAE in various international forums, since it has been elected to the Council of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) of the UN, and is a member in the Arab Regulators Network (AREGNET), the Arab Spectrum Management Group (ASMG) and the GCC Telecommunications Office. The TRA activities in the UAE may be summarized as follows:

Overseeing the telecommunications sector and licensees to provide telecommunications services
Monitoring competition in the telecom sector
Approving telecom equipments
Developing and implementing the National Numbering Plan, the National Spectrum Plan and the Number Portability Policy
Coordinating issues related to radio frequency at the national, regional and international levels
Managing the Internet Networks, including managing of the National Domain Name (.aeDA), the IP addresses assignments and managements, and producing the Internet Access Management (IAM)
Managing radio frequency
Issuing the required authorizations to use spectrum frequency and wireless equipments
Issuing regulations and policies governing the importation, use and dealing of telecommunications equipments
Developing the telecom and IT sector through launching initiatives aiming at serving the society at large and the sector in specific, such as the ICT Development Fund, the TRA Scholarship Program (Be’tha) and the National Computer Emergency Response Team (aeCERT)

What are the Available Telecommunications Services in the UAE?

The Internet through the Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
Fixed Line telephony with local, national and International access
Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) with national, roaming and International access
Satellite communications services
Spectrum Frequencies

Why Introduce Competition?

Competition is the drive for development, where it leads to higher quality of services, lower prices and the adoption of latest technologies. It is a race that pumps innovation and progress into the veins of the sector.

Why MUST the Telecommunications Sector be Regulated?

With competition, regulation becomes a must. All market oriented companies and corporations pursue profit, where money cartels may be formed to drive competitors away and lead to monopoly; or may reach an understanding for one party to focus on one service while the other focuses on another, and hence, harm competition in the core. The regulator focuses on protecting competition rather than the competitor, where it issues regulations and policies that organize the process of competition and the market dynamics to ensure the survival of competition facing money cartels and illegal cooperation. Without a regulated sector, the purpose of competition will seize to exist.

Who are the Telecommunications Licensees in the UAE?

The telecommunications licensees are the following:

The Emirates Telecommunications Corporation – Etisalat
Emirates Integrated Telecommunication Company PJSC – du

What is ICT?

ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology. ICT covers all services and tools related to telecommunications, communications, Information Technology, Internet, cyberspace, radio and TV, spectrum, computers, etc. By the last quarter of the 20th Century, ICT started to take more space in the day-to-day life and national norms within mankind societies; now, however, ICT has become the basic nerve of the dynamics of human societies.

What is Spam?

Spam is commonly referred to messages or any kind of electronic communication you may receive without your pre-approval, which are sent with a primary commercial objective such as ads and promotional messages. Spam can be sent through different means such as Emails, SMS, or even by calling people over the phone.

What is UEC & Annex Regulatory Policy about?

The Regulatory Policy aims to minimize marketing messages sent without consent (Spam) transmitted to the consumer, with a current focus on the mobile SMS messages. The Policy also includes obligations on the Licensees instructing them to take appropriate measure to fight spam and to give the consumers the choice to receive or not to receive such marketing messages.

When will the Policy be effective? And how will I know about it?

The Policy will be effective in July 2010. Upon the Policy’s effective date, all consumers will receive messages from their service providers requesting their consent in regard to the service providers marketing messages.

What do you mean by Consent?

Consent means the approval of the recipient to receive such messages. The approval format could be physical (paper) or electronic format; either way is acceptable, as long as it can be stored and retained for later review and fulfills the Policy requirements.

What are the examples of messages which are not considered as Spam?

Since Spam is defined as marketing electronic communication, messages which are of non marketing nature do not fall under the Spam definition such as;

Transactional messages of all types ( e.g. Bank accounts’ transactions notifications)
Informational messages of all types ( e.g. flight reminders, service confirmation messages)

What is the allowed time to send Marketing Messages?

All marketing messages are allowed only to be sent from 07:00 to 21:00 UAE Time.

What is a legitimate marketing message?

Legitimate marketing messages are those messages which comply with the requirements of the Policy and includes: obtaining the consent prior to sending messages, and sending the messages in the allowed time (07:00-21:00 UAE Time). Legitimate marketing messages should also contain an effective free of charge unsubscribe mechanism that allows the recipients to express their choice in not receiving any marketing messages in the future.

What should I Do if I have received a marketing message without my consent?

Every marketing message should contain a free of charge unsubscribe option. You can use this mechanism to stop receiving such messages. Moreover, you can file a spam complaint to your service provider.

How can I complain about a Spam?

Consumers can file a complaint directly to their Service Provider. The Service provider is obliged to :

Acknowledge the reception of your complaint.
Provide a complaint reference number;
Investigate the complaint in a reasonable time period;
And communicate the result to you.

After receiving the final result from your Service Provider, if the outcome is unsatisfactory, then you may escalate your complaint to the TRA (Kindly refer to the TRA’s Published Consumer Complaint and Dispute Policy V1.0, Consumer Complaint and Dispute Procedure V1.0)

How Can I avoid receiving unwanted Marketing Messages?

As a precautionary step, always make sure not to distribute your mobile number and avoid making it easily available through websites, newsgroup posting and chat rooms. The next step, is to be careful of whom you choose to give your Consent to receive marketing messages (for more info about Consent check Q4)

Can I seek help from my service provider?

You can always seek further information and guidance from your service provider through their customer call center.

What should I do if I am interested in receiving marketing messages from my service provider?

You should provide your Consent to your service provider, in case you want to continue receiving marketing messages.

Should I still be receiving Marketing Messages, even if I have unsubscribed?

No, you should not be receiving any further marketing messages if you already unsubscribed. In case you are still receiving marketing messages after 24 hrs of your unsubscribtion, you should contact your service provider for assistance.

How can I subscribe or Unsubscribe from my service providers marketing communication?

This information will be available from your service provider.

What should I consider if I want to advertise about a product or service using SMS?

In the light of the UEC & Annex Policy, You should consider the following when advertising:

Obtaining the Consent from all of your Recipients before sending any marketing messages
Providing an Unsubscribe free of charge mechanism within your message
Maintain the Consent records as required in the Policy.
Avoid sending marketing messages between 21:00 to 07:00 UAE Time.

For further details, you can contact your service provider.

What type of complaints does the TRA receive?

The TRA receives 2 types of complaints:

A complaint where a customer expresses dissatisfaction with the services provided directly by the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority, such as spectrum allocation, type approval, etc.
A complaint where a customer expresses dissatisfaction with a telecommunication service directly provided by his/her telecommunication service provider “Etisalat” or “Du”.

What should I do if I have a complaint about telecommunication services provided directly by “Etisalat” or “Du”?

You should discuss the issue with your service provider and you have the right to file a complaint.
Your service provider is obliged to acknowledge receipt of your complaint, give you a reference number, investigate the matter within a reasonable period, and let you know the result in writing.

How do I escalate my complaint about my provider of telecommunication services to the TRA?

After submitting your complaint and receiving the results from your service provider; if the outcome is unsatisfactory, then you may send your complaint in a written format to the TRA, either by post/fax or electronically through completing the form on the TRA website.

Please include the below listed information

Your contact details (full name, postal address, telephone/mobile number and, if applicable, fax number and email address.).
Copy of your personal identification or passport.
Written letter, either Arabic or English, describing the complaint in details.
Assigned complaint reference number and relevant customer account number obtained from your service provider.
Copies of all written correspondence from your service provider and any relevant supporting documents including the final decision.
If applicable, written authorization or power of attorney letter.

Addressed to:

Service Center
Corporate Communications Affairs
Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
P.O.Box: 26662, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Tel: +971 2 626 9999
Fax: +971 2 611 8240

What is the next step?

The TRA will acknowledge the receipt of your complaint and investigate the matter. The TRA will notify you the results of your complaint upon completion of its investigation.


1. What is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)?

The term “VoIP” is often used in different ways by different commentators for different purposes. Sometimes it is used to refer to a technology which enables transmission, receiving, delivering and routing of voice telecommunications over IP networks through packet switching (a “VoIP Technology”). At other times it is referred to a voice service (with or without video) offered over the Internet by a service provider or by self-provisioning (a “VoIP Service”). For the purpose of VoIP Regulatory Policy ver. 2.0, VoIP Services are defined as “All of the services and technologies that allow the transmitting, receiving, delivering and routing of voice telecommunications by means of Internet Protocol (IP).”

2. Does the TRA regulate VoIP? Is it considered a telecommunications service or Internet application?

VoIP Services are considered Telecommunications Services. Where those VoIP Services are offered to subscribers, then they are Regulated Activities as per the Federal Law by Decree (3) of 2003 (Telecom Law), which require a licence or an exemption. VoIP Services are regulated generally by the TRA Regulatory framework and specifically by VoIP Regulatory Policy ver.2.0 issued 30/December/2009. This Policy replaced the earlier version (ver.1, issued 26/December/2006).

3. What is the difference between this Policy and the previous version?

It has always been the case that the Licensees may use VoIP Technology for the provision of other types of services, such as standard IDD voice services. The current Policy stipulates that the Licensees may offer a greater range of VoIP Services. The current Policy also exempts certain scenarios of VoIP Services (e.g. Closed Group Network). The previous version restricted provisioning of VoIP Services (but not VoIP Technology) for international calls, while the current one allows Licensees to provide VoIP Services allowing users to connect to PSTN numbers in other countries.

4. Who can provide VoIP Services in the UAE? Are there any VoIP service providers other than Etisalat and du?

Currently only Licensees may provide VoIP Services in the UAE. This may be provided as either (1) end-to-end voice service (as in the traditional telephony); (2) as a “feature” on top of connectivity service for VoIP Services intended for internal communications; or (3) any other form that the Licensee wishes to provide. There are certain VoIP Services scenarios that the TRA does exempt.

5. What are the scenarios that the TRA exempts in term of provisioning of VoIP Services?

This Policy does not apply to the provision of VoIP Services exclusively over a Closed Group Network, where: the relevant calls originate and terminate in the UAE; or where the Closed Group Network exists solely for a Public Interest Purpose**. Closed Group Network is a Telecommunication Network which is: operated exclusively for the benefit of Users of that network, which Users are either employed by or are a part of one entity or group of entities with a common ownership, or which Users are connected, related or associated with each other for a Public Interest Purpose beyond the mere exchange of telecommunications; and not interconnected with any other Closed Group Network or Public Telecommunication Network, in such a way so to allow real time voice communications to be carried between a User connected to or on the first network, and a User connected to or on a Public Telecommunication Network. ** A Public Interest Purpose is: An educational purpose, or purpose for the benefit of research or education at an academic institution within the UAE (which academic institution is recognised by the Federal Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Education of an individual Emirate), or for the sole benefit of one or more UAE federal or local governmental entities.

6. Does the TRA block VoIP Traffic running on the Internet or websites offering such VoIP services?

The TRA does not block VoIP traffic or protocols. However, as per the VoIP Policy ver. 2.0, the Licensees have the right to block illegal VoIP traffic If it is believed that legitimate traffic is being blocked, the customer may raise the issue with the Licensee directly.

7. Will the TRA regulate prices of VoIP services offered by Licensees?

The TRA regulates pricing of Telecommunications Services in general. Currently the TRA regulatory framework requires that the price of a new Telecommunications Service to be offered by a Licensee, or the change of price of any existing Telecommunication Service offered by a Licensee has to be approved by the TRA in advance.

8. Can Etisalat and du provide international VoIP? Are they required to do so? Do they require TRA approval to start offering VoIP Services?

Licensees may start offering VoIP Services (including international) immediately if all other regulatory requirements (which are applicable to all Telecommunication Services) are fulfilled.

9. When we should expect VoIP services from Etisalat and du?

There are no regulatory or legal barriers to the Licensees providing VoIP Services, nor is there any specific requirement for the Licensees to offer VoIP Services within a certain time frame. We suggest that specific questions about the timing or type of VoIP Service offerings be addressed to the Licensees. However, customers may expect that the Licensees will make their VoIP service offerings known to the public through their usual market launch processes.

10. What if Licensees did not offer any VoIP services after reasonable time? What is TRA’s position?

One of the TRA’s objectives is to “ensure that the Telecommunications Services provided throughout the State, are sufficient to satisfy the public demands of those who wish to make use of such services” (Article 13, Federal Law by Decree (3) of 2003 as amended). The TRA will review market demand for services from time to time in order to ensure that demand is being is being met in a timely and responsive manner.

11. Should we expect the prices of VoIP services to be less costly than the current long-distance rates?

There are many factors to be taken into consideration in determining the cost of long-distance rates. In addition, international VoIP calls may take place in a variety of scenarios which will also influence the cost. There may be scenarios where international calls using VoIP Services may be more economical than current rates. However, specific questions in this regard should be directed to the Licensees.

12. Is there a market in the UAE for a low cost – low quality voice service?

Whether such demand exists and can be addressed is a matter for the Licensees, and specific questions in this regard should be directed to them.

13. Shouldn’t du and/or Etisalat join forces with companies such as Skype to offer a wider range of services to end users?

This is a commercial decision for the Licensees, and therefore this question should be directed to them. However, customers may expect that any decision of the Licensees to partner with such companies will be made known to the public through the usual processes.


1. Does the Policy cover Internet calls provided by third parties such as Skype? Can I use such software to call internationally?

Services for Internet calls provided by third parties fall within the scope of this Policy. As voice calls provided by Skype are considered to be a Regulated Activity, such services have to be provided by a Licensee. Hence it is illegal to use such software to make calls (e.g. Skype-out/Skype-in), unless this third party (e.g. Skype) is licensed by the TRA to provide such services or a Licensee provides the service in collaboration with this third party.

2. I have purchased software that enables Internet calls, and it works in the UAE. Does that mean it is legal to use such software in the UAE?

Unless this software is provided by a Licensee, it is very likely that it is illegal to use this software to make Internet calls. It is highly recommended that you contact your provider to ensure the legality of such software. If the service is not provided by a Licensee, the TRA urges you to not to use such software as: you are legally liable for such action, and the Licensees have the right to and most probably will block your illegal traffic.
3. I want to use numbers from outside the UAE to receive calls on my PC such as Skype-in service. Is that legal?

Refer to Q1 in this section, above.

4. Sometimes, when I access the website of a VoIP service provider, the website is blocked. Why is that? What are the requirements to unblock such websites?

The TRA does not block websites. However, the Licensees are required to block access to certain unacceptable content including unlicensed (and therefore illegal) VoIP Services. If you believe that a legitimate website is being blocked, you may raise the issue with the concerned Licensee directly.

5. Is it legal to use a “call-back” service whereby I can use a website to setup a call between two parties, one within the UAE and one outside the UAE, using VoIP?

As provisioning “call-back” services is considered to be a Regulated Activity, such services have to be provided by a Licensee. Hence it is illegal to use such services, unless the provider is licensed by the TRA to provide such services or a Licensee provides the service in collaboration with this provider.

6. Can I install a software application on my mobile phone (such as an iPhone) to use VoIP from Skype or other providers?

No. See Q1 and Q2 in this section, above.

7. If I use VoIP software to make international calls, are there any liabilities on me as a user?

Except where exempted as stated in the Policy, any person using VoIP Services which are not provided by a Licensee (even if not offering it to others for a fee), may be committing a criminal offence: if that person utilizes “another service” provided by a licensee (e.g. flat-rate internet access) to carry the VoIP international call; and the licensee providing that “other service” did not intend it (and therefore did not price it) to be used for the conveyance of VoIP.


1. We are an international company and we would like to connect our multiple offices around the world for private use. Can we do it using A) Internet; B) dedicated leased line from Etisalat or du; or C) MPLS or other managed networks?

In all cases, you must seek such services from a Licensee. In case of use of VoIP for Internal communications, you must ensure that your connectivity service (as in A, B or C) must be provided by a Licensee and that the Licensee has provided VoIP feature as part of its connectivity service offering.

2. We want to establish VoIP communication between our offices in the UAE with another company using VoIP. How can we do so in accordance with the Policy?

You must obtain the VoIP services from a Licensee in order to do this.

3. We require video conferencing between our branches inside and outside the UAE over A) Internet; B) dedicated data networks/MPLS; and C) ISDN calls. How can we provide this in accordance with the Policy?

For scenarios A and B, Video conferencing is considered to be similar to VoIP, as such, please refer to Q2 in this section, above. For scenario C, ISDN is not considered to be a VoIP service, and therefore the Policy requirements will not apply.

4. We have tried to use video conferencing. However it seems it does not work in the UAE. Why and how we can enable it?

Firstly, ensure that you have obtained this service from a Licensee and in case of establishing video conferencing over an IP network, then ensure that your connectivity service (Internet or otherwise) includes video conferencing feature. Secondly, if the video-conferencing still does not work, contact the Licensee to address the problem.

5. We wish to use VoIP in our local area network (LAN) to enable private communications within the same premises. Are there any legal restrictions on this, and do we need to obtain such services from Licensees?

No, the TRA does not regulate services provisioned exclusively within a Private Telecommunications Network. You are not required to obtain such service from a Licensee. Virtually established private networks (e.g. via Wide Area Network links or the Internet) are not considered Private Telecommunications Network. For definition of Private Telecommunications Network please refer to the Telecom Law.

6. The Licensee restricted our use of VoIP on our Internet connection. What is TRA’s position in regards to that? Can we seek TRA’s approval to lift such a restriction?

You must contract for VoIP services from the Licensee including those intended for internal use. If you have not obtained these services from the Licensee, the Licensee is entitled to block the VoIP services in accordance with the Policy.

7. A university in the UAE intends to use VoIP for educational purposes with A) its own branches within the UAE; B) its own branches inside and outside the UAE; or C) with another university outside the UAE. Does the Policy allow this and what are the requirements?

If your college/university: wishes to use VoIP services for the benefit of research or education, and is recognized by the Federal Ministry of Education or the Minister of Education of an individual Emirate, Then your college/university is exempt from the Policy requirements for the purpose of communicating with its own branches inside and outside the UAE as well as with other universities/colleges which are connected or related to, or are associated with your university/college inside and outside the UAE.

8. We requested that the Licensees provide VoIP service for our private communications. However they did not provide such services. Can we seek the TRA’s approval to self-provision such services or buy these services from external parties?

The Licensees are free to determine what VoIP services they will offer. If they do not offer the services you need, the TRA welcomes your input on this matter. However, the TRA will not allow self-provisioning and will not allow an unlicensed provider to provide VoIP services in the UAE, except as allowed in the exemptions in the Policy.

9. We would like to use broadcasting software to broadcast voice over Internet (examples e-learning and auctioning). What is your position in regards to this?

As long as this broadcasting software does not allow real time voice communications then it does not fall under VoIP Regulatory Policy. In this case it would be considered an Internet application not a Telecommunications Service. If this software does allow real time voice communications, then it can only be used if you are exempted under the Policy.

10. If we have existing leased lines for data from Etisalat or du to connect our offices in the UAE and oversee, can we start to push voice on the same leased lines?

You must contract with the Licensee to use your leased line for this purpose.If the Licensee’s terms and conditions prevent the use of the leased lines for voice and/or prevent the leased lines from being connected to the PSTN without the Licensee’s consent, then such use is illegal.

11. A UAE Government entity intends to use VoIP for internal communications between its office in the UAE and an office outside the UAE. Does the Policy allow this and what are the requirements?

A Federal or Emirate Government entity may use VoIP for communications between its own offices inside and outside of the UAE as well as with other offices that are connected or related to, or are associated with the Government entity inside and outside the UAE.


1. We would like to partner with Etisalat/du to provide VoIP Services or terminate VoIP minutes to their networks. Does the Policy allow this and what are the requirements?

The Policy is not intended to restrict Etisalat and du in relation to their commercial arrangements for the provision of VoIP services. We kindly request you to contact the Licensees in order to discuss this matter.

2. We are a VoIP Service provider. Can we provide our services in the UAE? If not, can we apply for a License from the TRA?

You may collaborate with the Licensees to provide your services. The TRA is not anticipating issuing any more VoIP services licenses at the present time. However, if the TRA does decide to allow applications for this type of license in the future, such a decision will be announced to the media and on the TRA’s website.

3. We are hardware manufacturers and we would like to sell VoIP-enabled hardware to UAE market. Are there any restrictions on such sales, that and what are the necessary requirements or procedures to allow us to make such sales?

Pursuant to the Telecommunications Law, the TRA has the exclusive jurisdiction to authorize any of telecommunications apparatus which is intended to be used with a public telecommunications network. Sale or use of any telecommunications apparatus (including VoIP-enabled hardware) must be approved by the TRA in accordance with its Type Approval regime. More information on the Type Approval regime and the applicable policies and guidelines can be found on the TRA’s website at: http://www.tra.gov.ae/type_approval.php.

4. We are an IT/Telecom consultancy firm and we would like to deploy VoIP networks for other clients. Does the Policy allow this and what are the requirements?

As long as you are not providing VoIP Services, installation of VoIP hardware and software in Private Telecommunications Networks does not require any license from the TRA.

5. We are a call centre provider and we would like to provide our service to clients in the UAE. The communication used is based on VoIP communication between our clients to our call centre outside the UAE. Does the Policy allow this and what are the requirements?

The Policy itself does not explicitly prohibit use the of VoIP technology in this scenario. However as VoIP Services have to be provided by a Licensee, you are required to seek VoIP Services from a Licensee. If you wish to use VoIP Services over your existing network, then you must ensure that your existing connectivity service that is provided by a Licensee does include this VoIP feature.

6. In relation to above question, what if the call centre is in the UAE and the client is outside the UAE, while the callers are all around the world? We want to use our voice network provided by an international telecom to deliver voice traffic to the UAE. Does the Policy allow this and what are the requirements?

Unfortunately, international telecom providers are not licensed in the UAE to provide VoIP Services. Until such time, international telecom providers have to work in collaboration with a Licensee to terminate any VoIP traffic to the UAE. We suggest contacting the Licensees for services surrounding call centres and VoIP Services.

If you have more concerns, please visit the : Suggestions & Complaints Link

What does type approval mean?

Each country operates a different telecommunications network, some telecommunications equipment can be safely used in one country, but not in another. Type Approval is the term for the process of determining and registering the kind of equipment that can be brought and used in UAE without causing interference or long or short-term damage to the network.
Type Approval is the requirement for Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (RTTE) to comply with specific technical standards. Such equipment must be registered with the TRA before it can be used, sold or distributed in the UAE.

Which equipment needs Type Approval?

All Telecommunications Apparatus which connects directly to a Public Telecommunications Network and or which is an intentional transmitter of radio waves shall be subject to the TRA’s Type Approval requirements. Such equipment with an intentional transmitter of radio waves is referred to collectively as Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (RTTE).

What does dealer registration mean?

Dealers, importers and manufacturers of RTTE in the UAE must be registered with the TRA. The scheme for dealer registration is a separate from and additional to the scheme for RTTE type approval.

Who can apply for dealer registration?

Any of the following parties can apply for dealer registration:

Local or international manufacturers.
Authorized Importers.
Licensed Operators.
Companies wishing to import RTTE Equipment.

Is it allowed to register foreign manufacturer under a consultancy name?

No, manufacture should register; however, consultant can submit the applications on behalf of the manufacture since he has a power of attorney.

What is the dealer registration procedure?

Required Documents

Dealer Registration form.
Valid Trade License (for local companies)
Letter “power of Attorney” in favor of the personal singing on behalf of the applicant.
Prove of payment (application fee).

An application to register dealer must be made on the official application form available

What is the procedure to obtain Type Approval?

Required Documents

Type Approval form.
Technical data sheet
List of standards (ITU, ETSI, ..etc) and signed ‘declaration of conformity’
Proof of payment (application fee).

An application to register equipment must be made on the official application form

Who can apply for Type Approval?

Any of the following parties may to apply for equipment registration of RTTE:

Local or international manufacturers.
Authorized Importers.
Licensed Operators.

What are the fees for Type Approval?

For each application a fee of AED 500 must be paid. This amount is subject to change without prior notice.

What are the labeling requirements for telecommunication equipment?

Equipment or its packaging and user documentation shall be clearly labeled with the label specified in the Schedule to these regulations unless otherwise agreed with the TRA.

Is there any time limit to the validity of the Type Approval certificates for equipment?

The time limit for any Type Approval is 3 years and it can be renewed.

We have an original 4 family models. The only difference between models is the software, no other difference in RF characteristics. Is it possible to apply family approval?

Family model can be submitted in one form but declaration of similarity should be obtained from the manufacture stating that the technical specifications of these models are the same.

What is the requirement for Equipment bought outside the UAE and imported by an individual for personal use?

There is no need for Type Approval for equipment bought outside the UAE and imported by an individual for personal use. However, the equipment shall be of a type eligible for registration in the UAE and comply with all the relevant technical requirements in the UAE. Equipment which has been imported for personal use shall not be sold, hired or otherwise disposed of to other parties for use in the UAE.

What are your standards and how can I obtain copies?

The TRA publishes technical specifications with which RTTE shall comply. In the absence of a suitable relevant specification, the TRA may specify technical requirements on a case-by-case basis.
Please refer to our website: http://www.tra.gov.ae/index.php.

Will suppliers receive registration certificates from TRA?

Yes.

What is the turnaround time for registering equipment with TRA?

Depend on type of equipment; it takes 5 to 14 working days.

How does the consumer know whether the supplier has registered the equipment with TRA?

Through the label which must be attached to the equipment by the dealer.

After products are placed in the market, is there a mechanism to ensure that the products comply with applicable TRA specifications?

Yes, TRA has a surveillance team which will be checks the equipment regularly.

Is there any penalty if a supplier furnishes false or misleading information to obtain the registration under the TRA?

Yes.

Is there any penalty if supplier sells equipment without registering with TRA?

Yes.

Are Cell Phone Jammers Legal?

Cell phone jammers are illegal in to use in U.A.E.

Is cell phone (GSM) signal booster legal?

Cell phone (GSM) signal booster is allowed to be installed only by the operators (Etisalat & Du).

How are the Payments of Fees?

Payments may be done through the following methods:

E-Dirham.
The TRA bank account (cash, cheque or wire transfer), where the bank charges are to be borne by the applicant.

Payment of fees shall be made to:

Bank Name: National Bank of Abu Dhabi
Bank Code: NBADAEAABAT
Account Number: 1950000117
Account Name: The General Authority for Regulating The Telecommunication Sector

For Suggestions, Enquiries & Complaints

Please visit TRA website tra.gov.ae and follow “Suggestions, Enquiries & Complaints” tab

Contact us:

P.O.Box: 116688 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 4 4288888
Fax: +971 4 4288800
Email: type.approval@tra.gov.ae

1. What is Frequency Spectrum Authorization?

It is a written approval by the TRA for the use of the portion of the frequency spectrum under the following specified technical conditions:

At the specified location.
Within the given number of equipments.
Used by the authorized user only.
The validity period specified on the authorization.
Usage strictly within the terms and conditions printed on the reverse side of the authorization.

2. What is the National Spectrum Plan?

It is the spectrum regulatory policy that aims at enhancing the spectrum efficiency and usage, where the TRA assigns the frequencies to all organizations and entities, whether government or non-government, civil or military, along with individuals, in accordance with the National Spectrum Plan. This plan may be downloaded from the TRA web site http://www.tra.gov.ae/spectrum_affairs.php.

3. What are the Procedures for applying to obtain a frequency spectrum Authorization?

The applicant may apply online through the TRA website through following the steps mentioned below:

Visit the TRA website and apply online http://www.tra.gov.ae/spectrum_affairs.php
Entre username and password in the TRA webpage.
Select the application form relevant to the service requested.
In case of new applicant please fill the application for username available in the TRA website http://www.tra.gov.ae/spectrum application forms.php.
Tick on the appropriate box for the application status and enter the authorization number for cases of renewal, modification, or cancellation.
Fill the application form and tick on the date and declaration statement.
Attach the required documents as specified in the application form (technical brochures, passport copies, photograph, details on network, usage, copy of a valid commercial license, etc).
Pay AED 500 as an application processing fee. Please read the details under “payments”. The application processing fee is required only for new applications and is non-refundable.
New applications mean a fresh application for a different location, a different service, or a different user.
Attach the deposit slip with the application form.
Upon issuance of the authorization the TRA will send the original through courier to the applicant

4. Where to obtain the Application Forms?

The application forms may be downloaded from the TRA web site http://www.tra.gov.ae/spectrum application forms.php,or collected from the TRA offices. The application forms are different for the different services, such as Aircraft, Ship, Small Boats, Amateurs; Fixed (point to point links), Earth Stations. VSAT, DSNG, Radars, Navigational Aids. Short Range Devices (Remotes, RFID, Bar Code Scanners, etc.) and Private Mobile Radio (Walki-Talkie and In-house Paging). For more information, you may contact the Spectrum & International Affairs Department of the TRA, on the following numbers:

Phone: 02 6118400
Fax: 02 6118484/6118400

5. What are the Annual Spectrum Charges?

These charges are based on the number of stations, such as authorizations for Aircrafts, Amateurs, Ships, Small Boats, Navigational Aids, DSNG, etc.

For other authorizations, such as Fixed (point to point links) and private Mobile Radio (Walki-Talkie, In-house Paging), the charges are based on radiated power, spectrum bandwidth, number of frequency channels, frequency band, number of equipment, etc. Short Range Devices (Remotes, RFID, Bar Code Scanners, etc.) are not charged within the specified frequency bands (refer to the National Spectrum Plan) and their radiated power is less than 100 Milli Watts. In any case, the Spectrum Fees Policy is binding and shall be referred to. For more information, please refer to the Spectrum Fees Policy issued by the TRA, which is available on the TRA website http://www.tra.gov.ae/spectrum_affairs.php.

6. How is the issuance of Temporary Authorizations?

The TRA issues temporary authorizations for periods from a single day up to ninety days.

7. Why Temporary Authorizations are given?

This is to facilitate the demonstration of equipments, the testing or to meet short duration requirements.

8. How are the Payments of Fees?

Payments may be done through the following methods:

E-Dirham.
The TRA bank account (cash, cheque or wire transfer), where the bank charges are to be borne by the applicant.
You must write on the deposit slip the name of the organization for which the authorization will be issued, or the TRA invoice number.
The authorization is issued only after the TRA Finance confirms the receipt of payment.

9. The TRA Bank Details:

Account name :  The General Authority for Regulating the Telecommunications Sector (TRA)
Account No     :  1950000117
Bank                :  National Bank of Abu Dhabi
                          P.O.Box 7644
                          Batin Branch, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Swift Code      :   NBADAEAABAT

10. How to Inquire on the Status of the Authorization?

The TRA will contact the applicant to inform him of the statues of his Authorization. The applicant may also contact the TRA on the following details:

P.O.Box: 26662
Phone: 611840002
Fax: 6118484/6118400 02
E-mail: spectrum@tra.ae

1. What is aeCERT?

aeCERT, the United Arab Emirates Computer Emergency Response Team, is the cyber security coordination center in the UAE. It was established by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) as an initiative to facilitate the detection, prevention and response to cyber security incidents on the Internet.

2. What does aeCERT provide?

The services provided to aeCERT’s constituents are categorized into four categories including Communication, Advisory & Education, Research & Analysis and Monitoring & Response. A detailed Service Catalog will be served to a constituent upon the finalization of its on-boarding process.

3. How can we partner or register with aeCERT?

An entity that joins the constituency base of aeCERT is called a Constituent. An introductory meeting with the aeCERT is initiated to start the registration process of an entity. The first meeting aims to introduce the aeCERT’s mission, vision, goals, and services. After the initial meeting, a mutual Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) will be agreed upon and signed by the authorized signatory of the constituent. Once the constituent satisfies the agreed upon pre-requisites of the MoU; a welcome pack will be sent to the constituent, which includes all the collateral material to initiate the journey with aeCERT.

4. How can we apply to aeCERT "recruitment"?

Interested individuals in applying for a job with the aeCERT may send their information via info@aecert.ae

5. How can aeCERT help us build our own CSIRT?

One of aeCERT’s goals is to foster the establishment, provide assistance, and offer best practices, methodologies, technologies as well as the collective experience of its members to, sector-based Computer Security Incidents Response Teams (CSIRTs).

6. Is aeCERT an independent company?

No, aeCERT is one of the UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) initiatives.

7. Does aeCERT provide security courses and training?

The aeCERT plans to provide a number of workshops, which will incorporate a multitude of information security professionals from within aeCERT and from other contributing parties within the UAE. The workshops will cover a range of topics that will vary depending on the most prominent cyber predicaments worldwide, that coincide with the timing of the workshop itself; to advice the participants of the current issues they might face and help them avoid being victimized.

8. Will aeCERT charge for its services?

aeCERT is a non-for-profit organization.

1. What is .ae Domain administration (.aeDA)?

The .aeDA was established in 2007 by the TRA as a department. It is the Regulatory Body and Registry Operator for the .ae domain name.

The .aeDA is responsible for the setting and enforcement of all policy with regard to the operation of the .ae ccTLD as well as overseeing the operation of the Registry System.

2. What is .aeDA’s role?

Develop and execute policy
Grow, develop and market the .ae namespace
Accredit and manage .ae Registrars
Educate the public, delivering and promoting the .ae domain name
Facilitate the .ae Dispute Resolution Policy
Represent .ae at International Forums

As the .aeDA has been formed by the TRA, a federal government department, the .aeDA will continually strive to maintain best practice for the administration of the .ae ccTLD and will administer the .ae domain in a fair and transparent manner.

3. What is the .ae Domain Industry framework?

.ae Registry-Registrar Model
The roles of the stakeholders are as follows:

Regulatory Body – .aeDA
The organization vetted with the responsibility of operating the ccTLD for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Registry Operator – .aeDA
Has the exclusive responsibly for maintenance of a centralized Registry for its particular TLD. The Regulatory Body and Registry Operator in some instances may be separate organizations, however in the case of the .ae ccTLD, the .aeDA will assume both roles.

Accredited Registrars
A person or entity that, via a contract with the Registry provides front-end registration services to Registrants. These services from the public interface to Registry services.

Resellers
Some Registrars use Resellers to provide customer sales and services. Resellers buy domain names and manage domain name records for their customers through an interface with their Registrar. Resellers do not have direct access to the Registry.

Registrants
The individual or organization that registers a specific domain name. This individual or organization holds the right to use that specific domain name for a specified period of time, provided certain conditions are met and the registration fees are paid. This person or organization is the "legal entity" bound by the terms of the relevant service agreement with the Registry operator for the TLD in question.

4. What is a domain name?

A domain name is a name you can use to define your unique presence on the internet – for example aeda.ae. In the same way that your street address enables anyone in the world to send a letter to your house or office. Your domain name is a way by which people can find your website and/or mailbox, if you have them.

5. What kind of .ae domain name can I get?

The .ae domain is sub divided into a number of ‘levels’ or ‘zones’. Registration is as follows:

Registration is possible at the second level under .ae - for example, mydomain.ae.
Registration is also possible at the third level which are

.co.ae
.net.ae
.gov.ae
.org.ae
.sch.ae
.ac.ae
.mil.ae

For more information please refer to Domain name Eligibility Policy On http://www.aeda.ae policy page

6. How can I register .ae Domain Name?

To register your domain name with a .ae registrar. You’ll find a list of accredited .ae registrars in the www.aeda.ae site. Choose one of them after reviewing their services.

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