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boundforsaudi · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 243

I've tried various versions of skyp* in the uae with mixed results. Sometimes it works for a while, but mostly not. Depending on the version, when it does not work, either I can't log in or I get internal error #1002. Anybody know of a version that works consistently or how to configure my system to avoid the Etisala* block? Please pm me. Wouldn't want to tip off you know who about you know what.

The Lemon · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 42

A quick Google search with the following words will get you what you need:

vpn voip skype uae

There are all kinds of services that give you secure, encrypted routings around whatever blocks are in place. You'll pay $40/year and up for this. It's illegal and they say they'll take your internet connection away if they catch you doing this, but unless you're a Bangladeshi grocer reselling voip phone calls out of your store, it's technically impossible for them to determine what you're up to.

boundforsaudi · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 243

I have a proxy that allows me to visit skype's website. I have the latest skype program installed, and I have credit. But when I try to make a call I get "internal error#1002, please try again." I just returned from holiday in another country with my computer and I did not have this problem there.

The Lemon · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 42

A brief history: The UAE began blocking VOIP communications in 2006. This was done for two reasons:

1. they were losing long distance revenue hand over fist. Grocers were selling laborers Skype access in the back of their stores, giving them calls back to Bangladesh at a fraction of the cost of a normal phone call. In a country where 80 percent of the population comes from somewhere else - and most want to call home - Skype and its ilk were bad news for the government, which makes a lot of hard currency from international phone calls.

2. The TRA (the UAE's FCC) cited "security concerns" as a reason/excuse to shut down internet phone calls. Basically, encrypted phone calls going across the borders over Skype and other phone/SIP services are nearly impossible from a practical standpoint to tap. Calls could be made over Skype from Dubai to remote tribal regions on the Pakistani/Afghan border and the UAE spooks wouldn't be able to listen in.

Being able to visit the Skype website via a proxy won't help you - the block the country uses senses VOIP traffic over a particular port and shuts it down, which is why Skype gives you that error. Bad karma should be delivered on the UK software firm that created and sold that censorware to the UAE.

Anyway, if one wants to get around it, it's certainly possible (see my above post).

boundforsaudi · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 243

Thanks for your advice, Lemon. I still don't understand why I was able to get some calls through for a couple of days. Did it take that long for Etisalat to ID me as a user? Or did I just get lucky while they were tinkering with their system? Also, I am currently able to receive computer to computer calls, but unable to call out at all. What's up with that? I just want to be sure the $40 or whatever I spend on a vpn will solve the problem. Seems like Etisalat is upgrading their blocking system as often as possible.

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

I've read on other forums that if you download skype from outside the UAE that it will work upon returning.

773 · Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 213

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

It seems so inconsistent...I hear of people using it w/o issue and others who can't.

The Lemon · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 42

The original block was only on the Skype site, two or three years ago. The application worked if downloaded elsewhere. I think the posts you're seeing date back to then. Check the dates on them.

Since then the entire protocol that Skype uses for telephony is now blocked, unless you use an encrypted VPN to tunnel out to the UK or the US. Illegal but widely done.

MrScaramanga · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 221

Don't know if it's just beginner's luck, but I downloaded the free Skype program to my laptop, created an account and logged in without any problems. I have since made PC-to-PC calls very smoothly. Haven't yet tried calling a phone number. I have a D.U line; could it be that D.U is not blocking Skype?
Will keep you posted on the phone calls...
MrS