UAE unblocks Skype... but not its key functionality

Okay, so UAE telecom operator Etisalat has, finally, unblocked Skype, the popular VoIP calling service – that’s great news.

Etisalat did confirm this in a tweeted response to us: “Hi, yes it’s now accessible to all Etisalat users :)” one of the telecom operator’s Twitter accounts (@Etisalat_Care) said in a response to our tweeted query.

Almost on a cue, within the next couple of hours, the operator also announced the news on its Facebook page: “The long awaited app is finally available for all, Enjoy calling your friends and family using Skype,” it noted.

But when almost 24 hours after official confirmation by Etisalat, the UAE’s other telecom operator, Du, hadn’t issued a statement or responded to our queries, we feared that something was amiss.

It is, indeed.

Individuals have been able to download the Skype app on their PCs and mobile devices. So far so good. But while those on Etisalat’s network have been able to make paid calls to international landlines and mobile phones, those on Du’s network are complaining of being unable to complete calls unhindered.

“The sound was scrambled and I couldn’t hear anything,” Jossy G, a Dubai resident, told Emirates 24|7. Jossy lives in a free zone area in Dubai, and he attempted the call at his residence, through a Du-enabled broadband network.

However, he claims that he was able to establish clear Skype-to-mobile connection while in office, where he accomplished the feat through the Etisalat network.

If you were one of those thinking that there is more to it than meets the eye when news of Skype ‘unblocking’ was out, well, you may be right.

The move to unblock Microsoft’s acquired VoIP services is a direct result of Microsoft's decision to retire the MSN Messenger in favour of Skype.

But it seems that UAE operators have the liberty to choose what services to offer through Skype, and Du seems to have chosen not to offer the app-to-device-calls facility and only an app-to-app-calls facility.

If this is true, then it means that, for Du customers, nothing has changed. The Du network was, in fact, ahead in terms of allowing customers to download the Skype app much before Etisalat’s network allowed it earlier this week.

But while Etisalat customers now claim to be able to make calls unhindered, Du customers are still complaining.

That perhaps explains why Du decided to go uncharacteristically mum on the issue while Etisalat has been prompt in its response.

Tell us about your Skype experience in the UAE: Have you been able to connect via Skype? Was the call made from your computer or handheld, and was it to a non-Skype user, i.e., a landline or mobile phone? Was it clear enough? Did it last as long as you inteded it to? Which network were you on? Tell us in comments below.

ALSO READ:

Will UAE telecom providers give BlackBerry its voice back?

It's official: UAE unblocks Skype calls; Has the ban lifted for good?

Skype effect: Video recruiting up in UAE as firms look at foreign candidates

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.