Skype & Internet phones??
 

Hi all,

I'm looking at buying an internet phone so i can call home at skype rates - has anyone had success doing this? I did read that skype is banned by the local ISP?

I was suprised how cheap it is to rin back to the UK on a local mobile - is it not worth the fuss of skype?

Re: Skype & Internet phones??
 

I just use the laptop for all of my Skype needs and it works a treat. If your ISP blocks Skype access, I'd recommend finding yourself a new ISP!

Re: Skype & Internet phones??
 

bit difficult when it's basically a monopoly here...

MM, xx

Re: Skype & Internet phones??
 

MM is right - skype is blocked by Etisalat. We have similar problems in Kuwait. There are ways around it and if the calls using local phone network are cheap then it may not be worthwhile. However, my Skype is set up for the UK so call costs are based on UK Skype charges - it is as if my internet phone is based in the UK. You can set it up for other countries too - for example if you call usa a lot then set yourself up with a USA skype number and all your calls there will be local.

The way round it is to use a VPN and I don't know which one works in UAE. There is a cost to this and MM is right in being reserved. If you make 50 calls to the UK and lose a pound each time then you lose fifty pounds. If it costs fifty pound to set up the VPN then you break even. The cost of hassle can be enormous though.

Re: Skype & Internet phones??
 

There's no competition in internet access here - this is Dubai, where things *look* capitalist and consumer-oriented on the surface, but in reality, actually aren't. It's all about monopolies here. Well, there *are* two separate telecoms operators now, but they're both owned by the government and are forbidden from competing against each other on price. You get the idea.

There are two ISPs, and which one you use depends entirely on where you live (although supposedly that's going to be changing... one day. Eventually. Maybe). One ISP has a heavy censorship policy, the other doesn't.

If you go for the most popular VPN, the cost is 146 dhs per year, and setup couldn't be easier. No hassle at all.

Re: SSH Tunnelling (was Skype & Internet phones??)
 

I'm very sorry I didn't realise that. That'll teach me to stray from the Australian part of the forum.

Here is a potential solution for the geeks among you. I don't think Secure Shell (SSH) access is blocked from Dubai as I have managed to access my shell account (in London) from Dubai International Airport. You could get yourself an SSH account outside the UAE and tunnel all of your Internet traffic via that server.

Here are a few links to help you on your way:

1. Free shell accounts (to find an account that matches your needs)
2. HOWTO: Secure Firefox and IM with PuTTY (how to set up the tunnel)
3. How do you force Skype to use proxy? (how to configure Skype to use the tunnel)

Good luck!

--paj

Re: Skype & Internet phones??
 

Nice one - and thanks

Re: Skype & Internet phones??
 

PC to PC by Skype works fine in Dubai. Its just when you want to call a phone that ist blocked.
Use a VPN as suggested and it will work no problem.

Re: Skype & Internet phones??
 

so can you call and chat to the uk then

Re: Skype & Internet phones??
 

yes. and apparently it also lets you look at some naughty sites!

Re: Skype & Internet phones??
 

think i had best start using my skype then:p

Re: Skype & Internet phones??
 

MSN with webcams work in Kuwait too. Better sound and piccie quality than Skype

Re: Skype & Internet phones??
 

Skype is pretty cheap in USA and Canada too
my friends pay abot $17 a month

Re: Skype & Internet phones??
 

I use VPN Services too from VpnAccounts (dot) com. Currently i believe the price is 14 USD

Big saving compared to using land lined to place calls@!#!$!%

Re: Skype & Internet phones??
 

my skype works just fine, PC to phone?:confused: