[UPDATE] This post is now outdated. Skype to Skype calls have been working in the UAE for quite some time now. Skype-to-phone calls still do not work (conflicting reports). But most recently the Skype website, which was previously inaccessible in the UAE, has now been unblocked and the application can be downloaded directly from there. I have also heard that Google’s “Call Phone” option from within Gmail works for making international calls to phones globally from within the UAE.
Apparently Etisalat – the lone UAE telecoms provider – has figured out a way to block Skype. As the UAE touts its claims of freedom and progress, it continues to hinder one of the basic rights that we all have as humans – our freedom to speak. Skype is technically a very difficult program to block. They have put substantial amounts of resources into continuing to figure out ways to impede our use of the Internet and our basic freedoms. The only reason for blocking Skype is so that they can continue to charge exorbitant rates and to line their pockets with extra cash. And these claims of progress continue to echo under false pretenses whilst Voice over IP takes over the world by storm bridging gaps between people all over the world except in the UAE. Dubai, do you really want us to be left behind?!
But you know what, no matter how hard they try, we – the freedom loving people of the world – will always find a way to resist and regain our rights. All our voice calls will be free in a few years, whether Etisalat or the government of the UAE like it or not.
Now let’s get to the juicy part. It’s not hard to do and I promise you if you follow these instructions to the letter then it will all work out and you will have Skype back up and running in no time.
1. Download and Install FreeCap
2. Download and Install Vidalia
Use the default settings and locations for both of the above installs (just click ‘next’ ‘next’ ‘next’). Then when it asks you at the end if you want to run them, say yes.
3. Copy and paste the attached config file into C:\Program Files\Privoxy
When it asks if you want to overwrite the existing file, say ‘yes’.
4. Add skype to FreeCap
Start the FreeCap application if it is not already running (Start Menu -> All Programs -> FreeCap). Click on File -> New Application. Make it look exactly like what is written in the screenshot below. If the path to your Skype program is different then change it accordingly, however for most people what is below will be correct.
5. Make Skype use this cool new stuff we installed!
Once you have finished the above, click ‘OK’ and you should now see a little Skype icon inside FreeCap. Now in the main FreeCap window click on File->Settings. Make the settings page look exactly like the screenshot below. You should only have to change the Server and Port, and make sure that the Protocol is SOCKS Version 4.
That’s it, we’re done!
Now close that settings dialog. Click on the Skype icon inside FreeCap and go to File -> Run. Skype should now connect. If it doesn’t then make sure that Tor is running, which means right click on the little cherry-looking thing you should now have in your system tray and click on “Start”. If the cherry thing is already green, then Tor is running. Skype will take a little longer to connect but be patient, it will work.
Optional: The above programs will automatically run when you start your computer. If however for some reason they are not running, you can copy and paste the startup file below to your desktop. Rename it from startup.txt to startup.bat and then double click it and all these new programs will start running again. Remeber though you must always run skype manually from within the FreeCap program (Start Menu -> All Programs -> FreeCap).
Enjoy your freedom of speech and remember, it is your right!
The Enlightened Blog 
i have been trying to download Vidalia Software but it isn’t downloading. It is asking userkey and password – AUTHENTICATION REQUIRED.
anyone can just let me know how to download this software so that i can try skype
Hi there,
although I have done, all 5 steps as you explained, and Tor is also runnig, but still skype can not connect to server. I also checked the log file of Tor, and could not understand whats going on.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Simon
I’ve managed to install everything as per your instructions and for a brief while all was indeed well. Then after a couple of hours Skype stopped functioning again and I haven’t been able to get it to log back in since.
Is Etisalat smart enough to figure out a way to block even this backdoor? Or is there just something wrong with my config here? Would be interested to hear from others whether they are still cruising with this solution or alternatively what tweaks one should make?
I got it to work but it stopped again. Any help would be appreciated.
I heard the latest version of Skype (2.5.0.141) had fixed the problem. Friends in Abu Dhabi say it works again for them. But it still doesn’t work for me here in Dubai.
I tried the solution posted above in both an Etisalat and DU environment and in both cases I can connect to Skype but the connection when making a call is too poor to hold a conversation.
As well, on my personal laptop FreeCap won’t launch Skype, but if I change the Skype settings to use a Proxy server (localhost:8118) it seems to go through tor on it’s own?!? But as I said… the connection is terrible.
Seems to work on and off, great first night, nights 2 and 3 nothing (couln’t connect) tonight fine!
Have tried to do follow these steps but can’t seem to be able to paste the config page into privoxy – the word “Paste” remains inactive in the box when I right click. So, obviously, none of it works. Any ideas?
Nan: you need to first save the file on your computer. So left-click on the ‘config’ link and then when it opens go to file->save. Save it somewhere and then copy it to the location I specified.
For those having issues with speed, try this:
Open up the file C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\Tor\torrc in notepad. Replace USERNAME with the username you use to log in to windows. Add the following on a new line at the bottom of the file:
exitnodes err, rodos, serifos, moria2, inap1, spoon, mushin, httpdnet, sipbtor, moilen
What that line indicates is fast servers in the US where you will connect to on the Tor network. This also allows you to make free phone calls using Skype to any number (land line or cell phone) in the US and Canada. You can check out the list here for servers by country. They are sorted by speed:
http://serifos.eecs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/exit.pl?sortbw=1
Good work on guidance. It is excellent to have help on this crazy issue
I am having a problem. I have followed your instructions but the skype is still not signing in. I believe the problem to be with this Privoxy. Privoxy is open but in the white area, it just has
Sep 01 12:19:00 Privoxy(00856) Info: loading configuration file ‘config.txt’:
Thats it. Nothing happens. I have opened the Tor and that continued to flud the TOR window with ‘failure retry’ type messages. Saying things like ‘your application using socks 4 is only giving Tor an IP address. Applications that do not resolve themselves may leak information. Consider using Sock s 4a….blah blah blah’
What do you advise.
Cheers
Craig
No luck. Which file – C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\Tor ??
That’s C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\Tor\torrc . Remember to replace the USERNAME with your username. If you open up my computer and browse to the directory C:\Documents and Settings then you should see your username there as one of the folders.
I’m actually on Skype right now talking to a relative in Dubai and it’s working great.
I opend torrc but I didn’t find a place for USERNAME. The following is the content of the file:
—————
# This file was generated by Tor; if you edit it, comments will not be preserved
# The old torrc file was renamed to torrc.orig.1 or similar, and Tor will ignore it
ControlPort 9051
Log notice stdout
SocksListenAddress 127.0.0.1
—————-
Craig,
I do have exactly the same issue, and at today I do have follow the instructions but Skype fails to connect. Good to read that it’s working great for you, Saracen! But could it be some problem with the Norton Firewall (though I believed I did create a rule for Tor, maybe privoxy/vidalia need one for themselves specifically). Please let us know, but again, thanks for your effort, and to everyone in the UAE:we should take the roads. Indian workers are not ashamed to face serious consequences to have a better life and they strike in thousands, I do propose a “consumers’ strike”, let’s sit on the Sheik Zayed Road with our mobile each on in front of us. Etisalat should get the message!
Chilly: Announce it and I’ll be there.
Announce buddy we need to protest!
Hi,
It’s good to hear that some people here in Dubai has been successful in configuring their PC’s so they can connect to Skype. As from my own personal experience, I have not been successful in connecting (for even a single minute) into Skype.
And just like the other people who experienced the same fate as me, I have done all the instructions or the so-called “5 simple steps”, and still failed.
I will just continue to hope that oneday, the people here in Dubai, UAE (myself included) will enjoy what the other people from the rest of the world, are enjoying… That is this Skype-hype.
It’s been mentioned earlier that we only have to change the server and the port on the freecap settings.
What are they?
Tnx
cannot paste the config file into provoxy though have saved it in another location as advsd abv, help… need to get skype working desperately, feel cut off without it….
Followed everything you said… everything downloaded and installed properly, but Skype is still not connecting. Any suggestions? What is the port supposed to be when you go to Skype Tools Options Use Port _____ for incoming connections
Ive been trying to sign on to Skype. but am unable to. I am currently using the DUbai internet city Internet. Please advice me what to do. i have tried following the steps mentioned above. but it does not seem to work.
I switched to the last version (2.5.0.137, downloaded from tucows) and it seems to do fine, I just connected and placed a skypeout call, a little sloppy but better than nothing! Still, it’s time to go to Abu Dhabi and sit in in protest in front of the TRA building!
Sorry, I also followed all steps, and no luck….I have also installed an older version as suggested in another chat, and this also made no difference….HELP !!! Seriously, any help much appreciated, willing to try anything out…
Me too, done everything still doesn’t work.
How do the net café’s in Karam do it?
Any ideas would be great, just don’t want to give the telcom big brother anymore of my cash.
Dubai today. Connected first time with very broken and delayed voice quality (unusable), Skype showed my location as Canada so I guess it used a node in that country. Has failed to connect since. Tried the recommended exitnodes, still doesn’t connect.
Any other solutions out there?
Use Syke beta 2.5 it works with Etisalat.. you can even recharge using skype..
For DIC.. i have not tried it.. but i think it will work if you use a HTTPS Proxy server for authenticaion.. try to find a HTTPS proxy and port number and change the settings in skype client to HTTPS.. doesnot work thru socks though !!
http://torandskype.blogspot.com/
Guys,
Did all the suggested steps with the understanding as per the above link, successful to login into skype server, could see my my online friends, yet still could not make the call. Using latest version of skype 2.5.0.141 . Is it only to call USA, how about other places like Singapore, Malaysia and etc.
Appreciate any assistant.
First of all thanks for taking the time to write this blog and help us desperate dubaians out. Secondly – I’m writing because I myself need some help. I’ve followed the steps and have been able to log on to Skype but I can’t see my contacts. The wierd thing is that when I restarted my computer, Skype connected, while Tor remained signed out and I never opened Free Cap. Does this mean that Skype is connecting on it’s own? Could this be why I’m not seeing my contacts? I also wanted to enquire about hooking up to the fast US servers bu adding the line in C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\Tor\torrc (per your suggestions). I might be an ameteur, but basically I just copied and pasted the line you suggested to add and put it at the bottom of the notepad file. After doing this my Tor could not start and the Log would give me the following error: Sep 05 18:34:05:766 [Error] tor_init(): Reading config failed–see warnings above. For usage, try -h.
Do you have any suggestions? Am I doing something wrong? Thanks so much for your help.
J.C.
I was just accepted by one of the friends I added and I was able to call fine, and I’m able to see when he’s on/offline. I’m still unable to connect to the US server through TOR however – any helf on the ‘C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\Tor\torrc’ thing would be hugely appreciated.
Cheers
I have done all 5 step. When i run skype inside of free cap but i dosent run. Plz help me out
i am in residing in uae. i have alshamil connection. is this works for alshamil? and what should we provide in server and port. please help
Skype 2.6.0.74 Beta has been released today 06September, 2006. You can download it in this link: http://www.filehippo.com/download_skype/
Does anyone thinks that this solves the Etisalat menace here in Dubai?
Downloading the new version of Skype will not solve the problem. Etisalat has figured out a way to block the logon process of Skype. Skype uses a particular HTTP CONNECT mechanism that is apparently identifiable and does not affect other forms of Internet traffic. Unless Skype changes its logon protocols, which will not happen anytime soon and especially not just for its UAE members, it will continue to be blocked.
The above method is the only method I know of that will get it to work in the UAE. It is impossible for them to block this method with the knowledge that is currently available. However in the future you never know. We all thought Skype could not be blocked to begin with. Perhaps they will wisen up and remove these ridiculous restrictions, although to be honest I’m not too hopeful.
Thank you for the information given above. my tor is working properly. i have changed the server and proxy as you suggested 127.0.0.1 and 9050 and i selected sock4. but even then i couldn’t connect with skype. should i change any proxy settings in skype also? please help me. thank you
I mentioned earlier in the comments about adding a line to your torrc file. For those unable to find the file in C:\Documents and Settings, make sure you enable hidden files. Once you have navigated to your username directory, go to Tools -> Folder Options -> View and then click on “Show Hidden Files and Foldres”. Then you will see the hidden folder “Application Data” after which you can go into Tor.
saracan, thanks for your step by step to coonection to Skype in the UAE… however is this for PC and Mac users????? I am a Mac user and in desperate need to fix the Skype coonection problem in the UAE!!!
Would appreciate any tips for Mac’s and Skype in the UAE – Sharjah!
realy i don’t know how can i thank u about ur help i done ur steps & evry thing ok but the connection lettel slow but any way beter then no thing thank u again (blasted)
I know this is a long shot but … I’m a Skype user in Abu Dhabi on a Macintosh (OSX 10.3.9). I use Tor all the time to get by Etisalat but I can’t seem to find a way to use it with the Mac version of Skype. Anyone have a clue?
Regarding Skype and Tor on a Macintosh, I now have a Mac unique solution. Seems to support Skype to Skype voice and video fairly well but tends to drop the connection freqently. I suspect this is an issue of maintaining sufficient bandwidth.
Like everybody else, I’m much obliged to all of you trying to keep Skype alive in the UAE.
When the block started, I wrote Skype. They offered to refund my money. Not really a solution.
Saracen, I followed your instructions; they were quite clear. However, I’m still not getting anywhere; I can sign on to Skype, but I can’t connect.
I opened up the Privoxy program, and got this message:
Sep 08 18:02:43 Privoxy(03504) Info: loading configuration file ‘config.txt’:
Does it matter it keeps saying it’s loading? Are there any other things I should do?
Guys,
I tried this and was able to connect to skype but didn’t try to call cause I was out of credit. Don’t take this as the solution, this is only a way to get you to log in, I don’t believe it’s the solution for making good quality phone calls
I have skype 2.5, I ran skype directly , not through freecap , and it connected. frankly I know very little about all these software but I’ll tell exactly what I did, do it exactly like this :
1- make sure that none of the above software are running.
2- run priveoxy
3-run vidalia , if you have the vidalia setup to launch tor automatically then fine ,otherwise you have to run tor your self, you can see it your start/program menu. it seems that the default setting that they run separately so you might have to run tor manually.
4- right click vidalia, click on “message log” you should see this on the last line.
سبتمبر 10 10:04:50:371 [Notice] Tor has successfully opened a circuit. Looks like client functionality is working.
don’t worry about the arabic text its just the date, if you don’t see this last line then tor is not running.
5- change your explorer connection setting to
address : localhost port : 8118
not really sure if this helps to run skype but its a tool to start viewing blocked sites as well.
6- now try to open any site, the Priveoxy should turn green.
now run skype directly “not through freecap” without changing its default settings and I hope it run for you like it did with me.
you can also now go to any blocked site you want and if skype does run you might be able to make free phone calls to US. just try to call any US number if no rate showed up then you are free to call.
Let me know how do you make out.
Did install all above mentioned but now my computer freezes after 10 minutes. It shows that Skype is using 100% of the memory? Any ideas?
Hi,
Same for me, Skype is using 100% and I have to kill it…
Any help
Thanks
thanks FRF, I am in UAE and your way works for skype and I can call USA and canada for free now, though the call is jettering but still working, also I can go to vonage.com which use to be blocked before, thanks once again
Is anyone thinking of MacOS users?
Normally I have less problems like Windows user, but this block of skype is putting me down!
Even Googletalk which is working fine with a friend of mine is not available for Mac!
What could I do?
Hey guys,
I just have to share the good news that happened to me.
I followed FRF’s instructions and I was able to connect to Skype, as well as visit other BLOCKED SITES here in UAE.
Although I haven’t tried using Skype to call a PC or a phone, but still it’s worth the try.
Another thing, the 100% memory used by SKYPE, I don’t think so. It worked just fine for me, without the PC freezing or hanging.
So I’d like to thank FRF personally for the helped.
Keep up the good work… and more power.
Hello all,
I have followed FRF’s instructions. I am able to access blocked web sites via IE but cannot get skype to work yet. This is frustrating!!!!
People let’s be specific: Skype version, as well as OS version and presence or not of firewall and antivirus will greatly help. I followed again the same instructions and was able to access blocked sites but Skype was not connecting. I don’t believe Skype goes through Tor automatically, that’s what freecap was supposed to do…
FRF’s instructions work!! I tried them again and they work. It is very important to keep trying to log in to skype as it may take a few attempts to connect. Thanks a lot FRF! There you have it Etisalat!
Hi guys,
It’s me again.
…. a follow-up from my last post.
Just want to share to all of you that FRF’s instructions are “WORKING”.
I am now able to use SKYPE to call my family back home. Actually talking to them right now, while I am typing this.
And we even see each other via the Skype Video.
It’s really great…
:::::It takes patience, though, coz it’s not like the same as before it was blocked. Connecting to Skype network sometimes takes about a minute or so. But once connected, another patience is needed. Coz upon trying to call (connect) to one of your contacts, it searches first for available proxy. And when it sees an available, it starts dialling or calling the other party.:::::
But to sum it up, it’s really amazing. I thought that I would never have to use Skype again here in Dubai. But I was wrong…
So… A thousand thanks once again to FRF.
BTW:
my 1st connection took about 35mins before it was cut.
my 2nd, 27mins.
3rd, 1hr56mins…great.
and the last one, 17mins…this time we are done talking.
That’s all.
Goodluck to others.
Hey guys, anyone have any idea about getting the skype working on a Mac? I mean i have TOR and Vadilia but i can’t configure Skype to use them!
Any help?
Tis me again.
Just wanna tell you guys that I am able to log at SKYPE last night (8:05PM – Dxb time), without first starting Privoxy and/or Vidalla.
I really couldn’t explain what happened so I want to know if somebody experience that also.
My guess is that, somehow TALASITE (read backward) is ON to something, I don’t know either.
Maybe somebody out there have an idea of what’s really going on.
Why would TALASITE allow SKYPE??? (“…again”)
Something fishy is going on…
Don’t ya think???
jjx
can you tell us what the mac unique solution is please? I am one of MANY mac users and still trying to get skype to work with the privoxy/tor/vidalia bundle but not sure where to start.
@rtxm@nz – Lucky You! Hope you continue to connect to Skype. saracen – You are a star for taking the trouble to go to such details.
Have loaded all the programmes. I can get onto Skype but cannot log on. It keeps on trying to connect and then returns to the offline symbol. When people do a search for me, it says user not found, and vice versa.
Any thoughts on how to actually log on?
I did the same procedure, but it is not working
Could you pls tell me which proxy name and port No I have to give. I am in Abu Dhabi using etisalat dial up connection. Error: You may be behind a firewall
Came across this site which purports to give an alternative route to connect to Skype. Havn’t tried it, so cannot say if it works for sure.
http://www.mathaba.net/wiki/Skype_UAE
Etisalat sucks. May be we should get the hell out of the UAE and go live in a civilized country!
Wowwwwwwww…skype is back again…its working fine with the above method…thanks a lotttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt dude…. may god bless uuuuuu…..
hi tabzy, which method worked for you … the torpark browser or following the 5 steps ?
My Skype started to work again on the 17th of September and has been working ever since. I have a no clue why it is working and therefore I feel sorry that I cannot help you guys.
Cheers, Ivo
I arrived in Dubai yesterday morning and spent most of the day trying to get Skype working. I tried the various methods listed above but couldn’t get Skype to work. In the end I decided to bite the bullet and part with $39.99 for personalvpn from WiTopia, http://www.witopia.net. The setup takes about 10 minutes and I have to say I’m very impressed. Skype now working fine and all “restricted” pages are now available. I’m no expert but I think it’s pretty good value for money if you’re spending time in Dubai. Up until this morning I didn’t even what a VPN was so it’s been an education. Guess there’s a postive in somewhere! Thanks Etisalat…
Thanks FRF, hats off you have done it,we should call you our Skype guru, and Im sure we all in UAE should recomend your name to Skype for some sort of a reward. Excellent Job, although it took some time to log in but works fine there after. Thanks once again, and hope your valuable service will be available in future.
Full guide from which this adapted;
http://torandskype.blogspot.com/
I also bit the bullet and set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN). I’m don’t know much about IT stuff but this looks to be a pretty useful solution.
The company I used is http://www.witopia.net./ and it costs 39.99 USD but you get a 15 USD discount if you type “crunchy” in the discount box.
This is because mobile crunchy have negotiated a discount, so have a look at their site. Pretty good explanation of the software too.
http://mobilecrunch.com/2006/09/11/witopias-personal-vpn-is-the-triple-play-of-mobile-protection/
Just pay for the Personal VPN and download the software and follow the lengthy registration process involving creating passwords, certificates and copying Config files around. As mentioned above takes about 10 min.
The result is an encrypted tunnel which is also useful if you are mobile and log on via many WiFi hot spots which are not very secure. Seems like good value for money to me.
Great! working fine simply running tor….
Hi,
Thanks for the info and helping towards a free world.
Our ISP (we have 2 now Du and Etisalat) They have managed to find a way to block skype again. apparently they do it over the webnow – roumor has it that they are working with websense.
Please let me know if you know of anyway to get round this.
Thanks.
Hi.
Du (the second ISP) is blocking Skype on the voice level. It means you cannot do skype-to-skype call. However chat works fine. From some places skype does not log in. There are a lot of solutions BUT FOR THE GOD SAKE use google to find the possible answers. Their admins read internet too and addressess “how to s***w DU admins” are first target. HINT: I think the VPN solutions are the best ones.
it seems that “config.txt” file is missing from the server ..it’s not there… can any body post it here or just open it and post its content here at leastt …
thx
I think you’ll find that Bitek is better at stoping Skype than you give it credit for, proxey servers tunneling etc will be located and stopped generally sooner rather than later unless you have the cash for your own tunnel, downloading a free bit of software isn’t the answer – best bet is to lobey the UAE’s unelected govenment along the lines of are you a proggressive state or just a load of currupt short sightede oil rich rag heads with no idea?
Thanks Man
But “config.txt” file is missing from the server ..it’s not there… can any body post it here or just open it and post its content here at leastt …
thx
All you OS X users there is a vidalia available!
Try http://vidalia-project.net/download.php
If they block it then just search for another site with an up-to date version.
Tor onion networking is designed specifically to avoid censorship, and the tunnel changes all the time – so HAHA STFU TALASITE!! It’s pretty hard for anyone to block.
If you are using os X remember to show Vidalia where the Tor application is located. Also restart the machine before you try to run it. And you will have to manyually imput the local proxy details: In System Preferences>Network>The connection you are using>Proxies
In FTP, HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS and GOPHER, put local host ID :127.0.0.1, and the port: 8118
Click Apply Now! Launch Vidalia, tell it to launch Tor! If it turns green you’re in business!
In fact if you use windows try the link here and jsut use vidalia I don’t think you need to try freecap!
Viva la revolution!
Oh make sure you choose the complete bundle, including tor and prixovy to install.
And to correct slightly my above instructions the SOCKS host should be directed to port 9050, not 8118, like the others.
And I guess you could also type in “localhost”instead of 127.0.0.1.
You’re basically telling your computer to send all traffic on certain ports through the privoxy server installed.
And whiel I’m at it – if you use tor in dubai please consider running a server and allowing people to run through your machine!
This will make your own traffic annonymous as it’s almost impossible to tell the origin of the traffic that runs through your server then!
And it makes it faster for all users in the region the more servers there are!
Try Packet8 as a landline to make local calls to the USA
can’t access vidalia….anyone knows if there is an alternative way?
I can’t believe this kind of thing is possible…
iam unable to open the config file link any one can send me the file to my email address please zubair78623@yahoo.com
hey people, use http://anchorfree.com/
Download and install. The program works like a treat with skype.
Give it a try.
I have been using this for some time now, it allows me to get onto Skype as well as things like the national lottery in the UK.
http://www.gtsvpn.co.uk
Will this work with Vonage too?
Could someone please send me a copy of the config file to garethnoise@hotmail.com – as per previous posts, the link no longer works.
hello gareth,
was going through the steps.
could you pass on the config file if you have it.
thanks
tony
Like some others now:
could someone please post the config-file for privoxy somewhere (maybe stripped of the comments to keep it small)?
Thx a lot.
Hey All who lives in UAE i got the solution how to open all the blocked websites in UAE including adult websites but it’s gonna cost u 500 Dhs so if you are interrested lemme know creditlb@hotmail.com
It is an absolute shame for a country like the U.A.E to be progressive on one end and retarded on the other. Etisalat has its blinders when it blocks Skype. How can a country like the U.A.E be considered modern when the mafia of Etisalat wants to strangle the spirit of the people in the country. Bullshit. They can go to hell as far as I am concerned.
I downloaded and installed the following:
http://anchorfree.com/
and its works great for skype as well as for surfing. no probs, easy to use, highly recommended
hi….guys….thanks for hotspot shield….it was juz great….but i cant seem to connectto it since yesterday?….any other ways out guys?
just tried the mentioned instructions. When i ry to open “config” the file doesnt open. It says “page not found”.Can someone help me out in this.
I would like to see a continuation of the topic
how do u open hotspot shield?…the file is unknown
any updates on this situation???
seeing that i will be moving to the UAE soon…
any news would be greatly appreciated!!
Hello,
The best solution that works is the “personalVPN” from Witopia. It costs 39,99$ per year and is really simple to use.
Go to the Witopia personalVPN Homepage : http://www.witopia.personnalvpn.helpnote.net/
The personalVPN encrypte your connection to a US IP address, with this method the ISP can’t detect that you’re using Skype or another VoIP software and allow you access to censored contents (i.e.: in China).
In addition, it protects your computer against hackers!
It works on Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Macintosh OS X, and Linux.
I hope we’ll see you back soon on Skype…
Witopia personalVPN Homepage : http://www.witopia.personnalvpn.helpnote.net/
Hello,
After travelling in Dubai (UAE) and in China, I found a software that unblock Skype and censored contents in some countries.
I know Skype is blocked or there is censor in the following countries : Belize, China, Columbia, Cuba, Jordan, UAE …
After searching internet, I found a way to make calls and to access censored content in those countries using a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
How does it works ?
A VPN encrypte the data you send on internet to a US IP adress (tunnel). This way your Internet Services Provider can’t detect you are using Skype or another VoIP software ! It allow you access to censored content and geographical locked contents (i.e: listening radio on pandora.com , watching TV streams for US residents, …).
There is a lot of VPN softwares, the first I tried was VPNaccounts. I didn’t like it because it took a lot of time for activation, it was expensive and helpdesk support was very slow.
A friend of mine who lives in Belize told me about another VPN software called Witopia personnalVPN.
Now I am using Witopia personnalVPN. It is easier to use (you just have to launch the software before launching Skype), faster and cheaper than all other VPN softwares I tried.
It costs 39.99$ and works perfectly.
You can download it from the editor’s website :
http://www.witopia.personnalvpn.helpnote.net/
Works on Windows and Mac.
I hope this post will help people who are in those countries and reducing censorship !
Contact me if you need more information : info@helpnote.net
Hello there.
I am not able to download the vidalia-bundle…..Can somebody please help me????
I am also not able to download the config file
Hi,
I’ve had the same problem as as the post above, I’m unable to download the vidalia-bundle and config file…can any one help??
Use VPN to unblock Skype in Dubai
Skype in Dubai
Got it working on Mac with the Privoxy for Mac – no settings needed, works perfect. Trying on a PC now, no luck so far. Anyway, privoxy works for sure, no need to pay 20 bucks to those Blacklogic guys, who are spamming all the possible forums about their VPN.
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http://unblockskype.blogspot.com/
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Witopia’s personalVPN, https://www.witopia.net works to unblock Skype in UAE on Mac and windows and they include an extra free VPN for your iPhone/mobile. All for around 3 dollars USD a month. pretty frigging hard to beat. setup is VERY easy. takes like 5 minutes. all online.
Like previous poster Mike mentioned. Do NOT click on the fake witopia “personnal vpn” links in previous posts from spammers and scammers trying to sell blacklogic and bananavpn and make you think it is witopia.
My husband was working in Dubai and he was using Skype with Witopia very successfully.
He now moved to Oman and Skype worked there even without Witopia. About a week ago, Oman’s only ISP provider, Omantel, blocked Skype. However, unlike in Dubai, running Witopia VPN does not make any diference – there is still no connection via Skype or MSN Live. Any suggestions?
@ann
witopia works in Oman. I would contact witopia’s support personnel if it does not work for your husband.
UAE blocks Skype. Even Saudi Arabia and Kuwait allow access – WTF???
Hi can any one tell me what to download so that i can get my Skype working in Oman ? I have Tried Anchorfree but it will not connect ? i have had my laptop checked result all ok so it is the greedy moguls who are blocking it just the same as the UAE, Just B.S , my system has Vista basic and bit defender loaded , Many thanks Peter
I’m able to access all sites now from Satwa in Dubai through a very simple method I found on:
http://dubaiinsider.bravehost.com/
Cost me 5 bucks to know how but atleast no additional expense, it is simple, without any installation, or monthly subscription to VPN service required, and it works everywhere not just in the UAE! 🙂
I’m a happy camper now!!! 😀
P.S. Beware of using your logins through other websites. You never know what activities they are storing!
You can easily get access via this link !! Unblocking skype !! if you are already in UAE or middle east the page might not load as was the case with me!
They do not want you using a service to unblock the internet restriction…
I did some digging and got the email to sales and contacted them directly while i was in the Dubai.
You can too, sales @ vpnaccount.com
Problem solved very easily,
Martin
Unblocking skype Link above seems to be wrong.
Is it possible to have ” config ”
Thank you.
Best regards.
A. D. Connesson
Hi Folks!
i still dont understand why nobody found a programm to get skype access??? Since so long time???
So I will share it,my friends,because that a normal human right (for us in the free world)! Nobody will control the net!
You have to download “Hotspot shield”. Mainpage is still blocked, but you can download from german magazin “computerbild.de” or “chip.de”. Google search : hotspot shield computerbild download. I did this in Dibba,middle of nowhere enjoy and have fun…..Horst the Haker
I can’t understand.
Hello World,
I hate etisalat in UAE. These bastered are very high rates for all their communication methods and they are blocking all sites including all important required sites. Intenet is not something they have created and I don’t know what is the right these guys are having to block it. Any way to unblock skype and or other sites download “Hotspot Shield”. This is the best and I have been using this for a long time.
I adore your site greatly. Will bookmark. Keep up to briliant writing on it. Gracias
Hey men, anyone knows how to make it run in OMAN??
I can make it work in Dubai but at my flat in Oman, no way. Any help will be Wellcome.
Regards.
I just downloaded this from Oman and it works fine! – enjoy.
So I will share it,my friends,because that a normal human right (for us in the free world)! Nobody will control the net!
You have to download “Hotspot shield”. Mainpage is still blocked, but you can download from german magazin “computerbild.de” or “chip.de”. Google search : hotspot shield computerbild download. I did this in Dibba,middle of nowhere enjoy and have fun…..Horst the Haker
Great share. I am from UAE and I found the way to unblock skype with SSL protocol. I am using Open VPN software and SSL package with:http://www.supervpn.net/
I am most satisfied before that I try many services for free and paid, but our country blocking PPTP gre protocol
Its no wonder UAE (especially Dubai) is a technologically backward country. Tall buildings, jewelry shops and glamorous malls wont help make the community grow as a modern internet society. The low IQ levels of these idiots who run Etisalat clearly shows. And I have stayed in this puny place for over 15 years.
Etisalat checks the solution to unblock Skype just like we do, they will run the solution and deactivate the solution. All soluions should only be done hidingly.
This is about UAE. I am in Oman and I used it but got no results, Couldn’t log in to skype.
Any help?
So annoying, at least people r figuring out ways around etisalat
I use VPN for skype and it works perfectly.
And with no VPN I use proxifier + proxies (at http://proxyhttp.net it could be found for example).
Thanks for great tips!
Great post! I enjoyed reading it!
alright! I am on Mac os x 10.4.11 and I am in Syria.. Skype isn’t working here! how can I make it work!
I use Vidalia + Tor to connect to blocked websites! but everything works okay except for skype.. it doesn’t work at all.. it says check with your network or something..
any tips on how to make it skype connect through tor on mac?! or so?
I get a 403 error while trying to download the config file.
Please the config. file is not opening. Can u send it to me by email? m_45678@hotmail.com. is this method still working?
Skype is working now in UAE but it is really dead and slow, on purpose.
thx for replying
Very nice!
Can you send the config file at ali.tar.gz@gmail.com. Thanks
config fiel wont open
how can I download the config file?
This is a terrific resource, i ill bookmark %URL%.
how to become user of this blog…i wana download the files.
can you please send config file to mas2pk@yahoo.com
guys unable to downlad the config file. any help appreciated
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I used http://www.sunvpn.com/ to unblock Skype in Dubai. Worked great and I saved a fortune on telephone bills :).
Am currently using http://www.happy-vpn.com . Speed is ok, but still looking around for other options.
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I’m using http://www.primovpn.net/ service.its good with 24×7 support,thats all I need.
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links are not working, how to download vidalia and config file, please help
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I can not download config file, got access denied window.