Job Discussion Forums

wonder woman · Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Posts: 5

Hi Everyone,
My first post! Very Happy

I'm an ESL teacher, and I'm heading out to Oman in a couple of weeks.

My question: Can I use VOIP in Muscat, and if so can I use Skype as my provider?

boundforsaudi · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 243

Good question. I found this info from June, but is it still correct:

http://www.skypejournal.com/blog/archives/2005/06/oman_blocks_sky_1.php

Another question along the same line:

My bank tells me that I will be able to dial US toll free 1-800 numbers from Oman if I first dial 1-800-11, wait for a new dial tone, then begin again with 1-800-xxx-xxxx to reach my US number. True?

wonder woman · Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Posts: 5

Thank you for responding and the url. Very Happy

I'm gonna post the same question in the General Forum, maybe I'll get more response.

rikyo · Joined: 26 Sep 2005 Posts: 7

Nope, Skype definitely does not work. It's intentionally blocked by Omantel. It very much depends on where you live, but we have (slowish) ADSL.

But at least one other VOIP does, and so do the voice facilities of things like Yahoo! Messenger. I'll drop you a PM when I find out what we use (I don't use it but the other half does).

Sorry, I have no idea about your 1800 thing but I doubt it.

wonder woman · Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Posts: 5

Thank you rikyo. I'll be waiting for the PM.

Wander · Joined: 30 Jun 2005 Posts: 34

On the one hand corrupt vested interests in Oman are out to stomp on innovation that doesn't line their pockets. On the other hand, the same people are pretty dumb when it comes to technology. Consequently, it's best to use a little-known VoIP provider, keep quiet about it and hope that ASDL data rates improve Smile

wonder woman · Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Posts: 5

Thanks for the tip. I''ll keep the secret Very Happy

Duffy · Joined: 29 Oct 2005 Posts: 449 Location: Oman

Just an update on this one.

I have been "Skyping here in Oman for months now without any problems. I have spoken to folks via Skype, all over the world and not been faced with the dreaded Blue and White "screen of death " saying "Omantel has taken the Unilateral decision etc..........................."

I have read that ME providers are looking at banning such VOIP activities, but it has not happened yet!!!

Keep on Skyping free!!!!!

Duffy Very Happy

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

Can anyone suggest a proxy server so I can evade Omantel's blocking of internet phone calls?

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Interesting that it was a friend in Oman that introduced me to Skype. I'll see if I can find out if he has to do anything special...

VS

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

So here's the story. You can't download from the skype site. So, go to www.limewire.com. You download a fileshare program there that allows you to download Skype...

Hope that helps...

VS

Duffy · Joined: 29 Oct 2005 Posts: 449 Location: Oman

Well done VS, I forgot to mention that one!!
To use a phrase from one of the songs of my most ( would you think I teach English!?!?!) favourite group; the MOODY BLUES.

"Keep on thinking free"

Duffy Very Happy

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

According to Omantel, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority is blocking access to internet phone services. May the fleas of a thousand camels infest the rear ends of those responsible. Evil or Very Mad

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Yes, but as long as one can quite easily get around them... who cares... Laughing

VS

Duffy · Joined: 29 Oct 2005 Posts: 449 Location: Oman

Omantel a fond of blocking lots of things but I can only repeat whya I said in my last post - I'm still Skyping free here in Oman!!!

Duffy Very Happy