Editor's Note:  What kind of steaming pile is this?  Blocking access to web services to protect revenue streams.  I hope this does not become a trend.  If I have the ability to get online (most likely paying for it if traveling) I should not have any other roadblocks to work around.  UAE's telco should retract this policy if this is the case.

 

 

We have just heard an odd piece of news. Apparently Skype cannot be used to make calls out of the UAE anymore. We were able to make a Skype-in call without any difficulty. ISPs may be blocking Skype's website, preventing downloads. In addition, for Skype users already using the VoIP tool, the tool no longer seems to work. In addition to Skype, Windows users are having trouble using other common VoIP tools like MSN and Yahoo. Apparently Google's tool still works - but one cannot be sure for how long.

This is a troubling trend. If Telcos (via ISPs) are able to block access to these tools then they can obviously protect their revenue streams. Travelers who are now used to free calls will have to pay the horrible rates that are, frankly, theft.

Anyone who has a work around please let us to know so that we can post it here.

 

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