stufried

Last week Skype seemed to stop walking in Dubai. I was wondering whether anyone else is having a problem. Instant messaging works, voice does not. The call gets killed five seconds after going to voice mode even on skype to skype calls which is supposedly legal.

barsha barbie

seems to be ok - just a really bad line!

Welivehere

I noticed the same, but just thought my PC was having a div.... Haven't used it for a few days so will try again tonight and let you know if the problem persists...

stufried

I just noticed that today's Gulf News was on all about the improvements Etisilat was introducing and how it plans on launching its own VOIP service. I frankly don't understand why the price of my international call should change based on how my phone connects to the great Golf Ball.

http://www.gulfnews.com/home/index.html

Note also that while they promise cheaper international rates, they won't say how much.

Frans Wind

A tip perhaps? With "Remote assistant" and a few tricks, you can activate Skype from a PC anywhere in the world. Link your PC up to that PC and call your (I assume) UK number. 100% legal and you bypass a few UAE restictions. Oldest trick in the book. Or even better? With remote assistant activate a voice over internet provider account, which most European internet providers allow, even promote. I use it, Amsterdam to Dubai for about € 0.01 per minute from anywhere on this planet. Even China!!!

Or even better, get a VOIP phone. Your PC doesn't even have to be switched on. The box works in the UAE as I have tried it. Phone calls work like a dream. Careful though, might want to look into the rates as they can differ from provider to provider. All you need is a rather good broadband connection. Or someone that has one and a good router.

Frans

stufried

Skype is working again here. It is interesting to compare this thread with the thread about Qatar. From everyone who I've talked to, Etisilat is blocking more stuff that Tecom. Also, apparently more people are having problems in Abu Dhabi than they are in Dubai (even on Etisilat).

Stu