Ethiopian govt denies VOIP ban

Internet protocol (VOIP) services that offer audio- and video-related communications over the Internet, AllAfrica.com writes.

Reporters Without Borders last week alleged that Ethiopia had endorsed a new law that bans the Internet-based services.

The group accused the East African country of trying to "attack every means of information exchange" and criticised it of a new crackdown on Internet users.

“We have not adopted a legislation that prevents people from using Internet. You can Skype as much as you want,” News Dire quotes deputy head of the Office for Government Communication Affairs, Shimelis Kemal, as saying.

“Internet-based voice service has been allowed. But the main objectives of the law is just preventing illegal activities that hinder the telecommunication service and controlling any cheating,” Kemal said.