Etisalat, Skype, UAE telecom issues

[fractional]

Be careful!

This is a story I heard before. Now this guy just had the (bad) luck. However watch it! Big Brother is around preying...
http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Polic.../10185010.html

[Gulfstreamaviator]

A machine connected to the Internet

This technology is getting out of hand. Next there will be electricity too.

Never mind, life goes on. Head down.

glf

[vbrules]

I have just started using skype in Dubai. I put credit on overseas but here I just sign in and it works good as gold and my web provider is Etisalat. Am not using a VPN either. If I try to access skype websites they are blocked but actually using it once it's downloaded is fine.

[Driver of Buses]

In fact it might prove very difficult to block Skype without blocking everything else as well.

Skype uses various methods of connecting via the internet with its basic mode using solely the ports assigned to web browsers. Under this situation Skype will still work but with reduced quality or features.

To quote the Skype technical user guide on Firewalls ..

There are four options for Skype to work:

• Ideally, outgoing TCP connections to all ports (1.65535) should be opened. This option results in Skype working most reliably. This is only necessary for your Skype connection to be able to connect to the Skype network and will not make your network any less secure.
• If the above is not possible, open up outgoing TCP connections to port 443. This will only work if you are using Skype version 0.97 and above.
• If the above does not solve the problem, open up outgoing TCP connections to port 80. Some firewalls restrict traffic to port 80 to HTTP protocol, and in this case Skype can not use it since Skype does not use HTTP. In some firewalls it is possible to open up all traffic to port 80, not just HTTP, and in this case Skype will work.
• If the above is not possible, Skype versions 0.97 and above can use a HTTPS/SSL proxy. In order to do that, you have to configure the proxy address in Internet Explorer options. Skype will then be able to use it as well.

So option 3 is basic mode of operation with port 80 (which is the port necessary for the web browser to work) and port 443 (used for secure HTTPS web connection). So to block everything except HTTP/S protocol will block Skype but will also cripple the internet connection and service provided.

Most ISPs will use proxy servers to FILTER out content and not firewalls to block ports.

Bottom line. Nothing is technically impossible but to block Skype without impacting on the quality of internet service provided is not possible.

[ekeingout]

VPN not working

VPN stopped working a few days ago - "the Shield" stays amber, will not connect with message waiting for server. Not so Hot really. No answer from their support other than autoreply to my question

Any ideas or alternatives?

PM only please - no specific details on this thread.

Thanks guys

[tbaylx]

if anyone has a solution that i'd appreciate a PM as well.

[Orangewing]

Beg to differ. I downloaded the new one, worked ok for a few days then packed up. It kept doing the same thing ekeingout described. Maybe it depends on exactly where you are located?

[A345]

If u are using a wireless router it's worth checking the settings on the router...wireless routers tend to block THE SHIELD..
hope this helps..Good Luck

[vbrules]

Same here.
Wont connect to server.
Tried downloading and using on PC as well as Mac; no different.
Have a wireless router but the settings on that havent changed for 2 years.
It must be something to do with Etisalat.
Also keen on a fix if anyone has one.

[PositiveRate876]

Works fine with latest version download.

Suggest you be more criptic when talking about these things.
Don't assume Etisalat is not reading this forum. They are.

[etihadceo]

I guess if it was not blocked then it will be now!!

[NG_Kaptain]

Hasn't worked in weeks.

[4granted]

Couple of interesting threads about it but from what I understand is that "they" have decreased the bandwith you can download through the Shield. Used to be about 10 gig per month, that went down to 5 gig and now apparently its down to like 1.5 gig. After youve exceeded that you cant connect.
Couple of work arounds for PCs but not for Mac.

Not sure to post here but google "changing your mac adress". This somehow lets the shield think you are a new user.
I am also thinking that maybe the eti se luts are on to it, but the w ancho r website is still up so....

My next question is: Whats the best paid for private VPN you guys find working well here in da sandpit?

Appreciate any info.

Cheers
4g

[nitro rig driver]

When will people learn

as soon as a solution is posted on this and any other forums

THEY WILL FIX IT so you can't use it

Ask by all means but PM the answer

[baob2oba]

Works fine with latest version

[Rabbitwear]

Bought a Mac notebook about 3 months ago, what a piece of Junk , With good advertising you could sell anything.
It now rests in the bottom of a Dubai rubbish bin , with the hard drive removed. One less Mac on the Earth is a good thing. Back to windows................

[Orangewing]

check PM 4 granted

[GoreTex]

rabbit,
why didnt you sell it? I am sure there is a market?
a windows user

[Lil Bro]

Originally Posted by nitro rig driver

When will people learn

as soon as a solution is posted on this and any other forums

THEY WILL FIX IT so you can't use it

Ask by all means but PM the answer

yeah, because the IT boys can't PM you and pose as an expat.....

[4granted]

Well different strokes for different folks.. I have chucked 4 windows machines in the trash and my now 4 year old G4 PowerBook is flying along like it did when it came out of the box.
Actually think I have turned it off about 10 times in the last 4 years.

Anyway this is not a Mac/Windows thread... sorry for the Hijack.

Have a good day

4G