It seems that skype has been blocked by authorities in Dubai as I sent a reuest to my friend to sign in but without any sucesss. :?
can someone please clarify.[/b][/b]

Correct
Dubais telecomms blocks SKYPE

[quote=GLADIATOR]Correct
Dubais telecomms blocks SKYPE[/quote]

How?
I mean do they block the skype website (so no one can download the software) or they block all communication using skype?

I was under the impression that the entire UAE blocked Skype.

Unfortunate, but not very suprising. UAE blocks many sites and are not known for allowing freedom of speech...

[quote=piggy_muppet][quote=GLADIATOR]Correct
Dubais telecomms blocks SKYPE[/quote]

How?
I mean do they block the skype website (so no one can download the software) or they block all communication using skype?[/quote]

Easy. They specifically block the IP address of SKYPES site, stopping downloads and account page access.

My brother lives and works in Dubai and he uses Skype fine.

[quote=GLADIATOR]Easy. They specifically block the IP address of SKYPES site, stopping downloads and account page access.[/quote]

Does this include the login servers?

[quote=xperience]My brother lives and works in Dubai and he uses Skype fine. [/quote]

From this comment I would suggest not

There are two ISPs in the UAE -- Tecom and Etisilat. Tecom is currently only in the jumeira (e.g. the Internet City, Knowledge Village, the Freeholds, etc). Tecom has won a contract to expand throughout the UAE. The other provider is Etisilat -- the state run phone company. (Universities get internet through a route not mentioned here).

As of earlier this month, Skype clearly did work in the UAE. I've had Skype IM sessions since then, but no Skype calls. Etisilat does block access to the Skype website.

Etisilat has signed a contract with Bitek to install its Guardian and/or Snyper software which is designed to block Skype. I don't believe it is running yet.

Try this link:
http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/05/12...1/10001807.html

Note: a number of people use satelite internet in the UAE which is wide open. Technically this setup is illegal, but it is very common.

Stu

[quote=websetters][quote=GLADIATOR]Easy. They specifically block the IP address of SKYPES site, stopping downloads and account page access.[/quote]

Does this include the login servers?[/quote]

No, because the client doesn't connect directly to the login servers. It connects through the network.

[quote=GLADIATOR][quote=piggy_muppet][quote=GLADIATOR]Correct
Dubais telecomms blocks SKYPE[/quote]

How?
I mean do they block the skype website (so no one can download the software) or they block all communication using skype?[/quote]

Easy. They specifically block the IP address of SKYPES site, stopping downloads and account page access.[/quote]

OK, but if I send the skypeSetup.exe file to a friend by email. He installs skype, and then? You mean that he can't place calls?
I am surprised as skype is peer-to-peer and the ISP can't (in theory) block it!

You can make calls, but you can not get downloads or updates OR go to your account page

you cant download skype in UAE
aslow u cant log in the site to buy more credit

so i use the help of a friend living in UK to buy more credits

Use a proxy to login and you should be fine.

u cant log in skype site using proxy coz the site is secure i tryed that and didnt work
even am useing Propel i can open the site but i cant log in

[quote=Speedy]u cant log in skype site using proxy coz the site is secure i tryed that and didnt work
even am useing Propel i can open the site but i cant log in[/quote]

I've heard that since last week the UAE has been sporadically running Skype blocking software. People could IM but their calls would cut off the moment they tried to go to voice mode even calling Skype testing service.

With respect to Dubai and free speech, they are completely inconsistent. If you google on the proxy server, you'll find folks from the state phone company saying that they don't even block pro-Israel sites (but they block all sites ending in .il). Then the state phone company runs out and blocks flicker and myspace. Unfortunately, they don't march to the beat of a single drummer in the UAE.

Stu

You can by pass the block by using PersonalVPN. I am doing it and it works. It unblocks all the blocked sites including Skype, Yahoo Voice Etc...
http://www.witopia.net/cart/cgi-bin/cp-app...affl=madhuamin1

I agree with the posting above. I arrived in Dubai yesterday morning and spent most of the day trying to get Skype working. I tried various methods found across different forums but in the end I decided to bite the bullet and part with $39.99 for personalvpn from WiTopia, http://www.witopia.net. The setup takes about 10 minutes and I have to say I'm very impressed. Skype now working fine and all "restricted" pages are now available. I'm no expert but I think it's pretty good value for money if you're spending time in Dubai. Up until this morning I didn't even what a VPN was so it's been an education. Guess there's a postive in somewhere! Thanks Etisalat...

Hi all,

I use Blacklogic VPN too ! It works very good !!

I found it in another topic on Skype forum who talk about Skype blocked in Belize, China, Cuba, Columbia, Dubai, Jordan, UAE ...



Blog : Unblock Skype in Dubai


Robert H.
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Just out of interest (as I'm not in Dubai) what's the legality of using this kind of trick, effectively faking your location, in the UAE?

Hello,

I am using Blacklogic VPN to unblock Skype and all blocked websites.





Blog : Unblock Skype in Dubai ?



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