Dubai: Telecommunications officials have pledged to launch an investigation to find out what is blocking some popular messaging sites in parts of Dubai.
Emirates International Telecommunications Company, (EITC), which provides internet services for areas including Dubai Internet City, said it was unsure what was stopping the sites from working.
Customers have complained that Yahoo Messenger, which can be used to make telephone calls, is blocked at the moment. Similarly, there have been reports that MSN messenger services are also blocked
Both messaging sites are used by people who want to log on at the same time as friends and chat with them using the internet, sending typed messages that are received instantly by the other person.
In addition, it is possible for those using the services to speak to each other and even to see one another using webcams.
One user said: "It's very frustrating. I thought we were supposed to have more or less unrestricted internet access so I don't know why this is happening."
EITC provides internet access to the free zone that includes Dubai Media City and many residential areas, including The Springs and The Greens developments.
Outside this area, Etisalat provides the internet services and sites such as Yahoo Messenger and MSN messenger can be used freely.
A spokesperson for EITC said the company itself was not blocking the sites and it was trying to find out why they were not working.
"We regret the inconvenience that our customers had to experience. However, the blocking of sites is not caused by any action we have taken on the EITC network. We are looking into the matter and hope to quickly identify and rectify the source of the problem."
"We will report to our customers on our findings and resolution as soon as we receive concrete information," the spokesperson told Gulf News.
Your comments
What Etisalat is doing is nothing short of subversive: They are undermining the freezone and the general free culture that made Dubai. Etisalat is undermining the future of this great city. Blocking Skype cannot survive for long in the age of WTO and multilateral trade talks. It will hit a big bad wall pretty soon. The government should intervene and tell Etisalat to take its greedy hands off the future of free communication.
Nureddin
Dubai,UAE
I have lived in this part of the world for the past two decades and have witnessed the growth and development. With regard to "unavailability of Messengers service", whose fault is that? Is it a user's fault? Is it a technical fault? No wonder Etisalat or EITC are providing a "State of Art service with the best available technology in the market. Also the UAE is a developed country and it is the right time for Etisalat to act like the similar service providers in other parts of the world.
Seyadu
Abu Dhabi,UAE
It was surprising when my Yahoo messenger stopped responding for PC to phone chat last month. When I checked with Yahoo online chat support, I was given the following reply. We are currently aware of an issue with Yahoo Messenger Phone services being blocked in the United Arab Emirates by the Internet Service Provider Etisalat. Unfortunately, there is nothing Yahoo is able to do as this action could be because of religions reasons or government regulations. You may contact our billing department and ask them to cancel your service and request a refund. Please contact our billing support by going to the following address:
http://add.yahoo.com/fast/help/us/messenger/cgi_messenger7_5
I hope the above message clearly indicates from where the problem is coming.
Majid
Dubai,UAE
Wow - I guess a lot of people use these services. It makes you wonder how come these calls are so cheap as compared to Etisalt. Does it mean that Etisalt is over charging us? I am really suprised that Etisalt has not responded.
Another yhing that I would like to mention is that with the second operator being introduced, the monopoly would remain as they have both agreed that there would be no price war. So do we need a second operator? What is the benifit to the consumer?
The UAE when it comes to rent lets the market decide rates, why can't they adopt the same here?
Amrish
Dubai,UAE
The facts are: 1. We all are paying enormous charges for our Internet connection. Just compare the rates in Europe 2. I do understand that 'bad sites' are blocked. I can live with that easily. 3. The telephone rates over here are extremely high - monopoly 4. The malfunctions of the last days have been caused by new cables at the East coast effecting 17 of 32 international links. Especially peer-to-peer applications. 5. Etisalat and appendixes are still fighting with technology/modern infrastructure 6. They are still closing their eyes firmly regarding the future - no Telco in Europe will still invest in the old technology. 7. VoIP is the future. Competition/democracy should be welcomed, with the freedom of using whatever a client wants to use - following some basic rules. See 2. Good luck UAE.
Germanin
Dubai,UAE
Etisalat should not block access to VOIP services such as Skype because it does not contain material which is against religious or moral values. Instead, they should work hard to develop an alternative VOIP service exclusively for people living within UAE and attract them by introducing low rates. By blocking Skype, they are only showing disrespect to paying customers. In fact, I felt cheated. At the least, if they care so much about losing revenue, they could have introduced a small charge to have Skype unblocked.
Aika
Abu Dhabi,UAE
I think what Etisalat is doing is wrong. I lived in Dubai for the past 21yrs and just moved to Canada last year to have my University studies. Telephone services can not transfer pictures and files like both Yahoo Messenger and MSN Messenger can. Of course you do have emails but then again you can't have a one to one chat, can you? What about the teenagers living in UAE? They can't afford to pay the high fee of telephone bills.
Etisalat should stop its monopoly. It should allow the net services which allow people to communicate with one another. It can't just go along trying to make Dubai one the most modern cities of the world and on the other hand do stuff like this!
Khizer
Toronto,Canada
The authorities want us to live clean and pure lives. How can I be pure if the internet provider won't let me talk with my wife? Do you want chaste men - let us talk with our families.
Name withheld by request
Abu Dhabi,UAE
I also had Yahoo shut down by Etisalat. In fact every phone service I have tried through the computer has been disabled. I also had a great land line service through Vonage which was very very cheap, but after a few days that was also disabled! I am forced to use only Etisalat!
Lulu
Abu Dhabi,UAE
I have been privileged to live in Abu Dhabi since 1990. I am amazed at the incredible improvements made. However, I cannot comprehend Etisalat who is the top profit maker every year, even above the oil companies! Are they more concerned about paying huge payments to their shareholders than they are to the needs of their customers. Let me give them a lesson in economics. Unhappy customers go elsewhere, which means less customers.
Janis
Abu Dhabi,UAE
We are also experiencing the blocking of Yahoo as well as MSN here in Sharjah. I work in an internet cafe and this VIOP is bloked by the etisalat(ISP). Our customers are too unhappy.
Shayin
Sharjah,UAE
MSN and Yahoo work fine with Etisalat. They block other chatrooms but these instant messengers are working fine to date! EITC has probs!
Qasim
Sharjah,UAE
I feel like laughing out that the highest Etisalat athourity has to pledge that they will investigate such a crucial issue. Every single person has called up their help desk still they don't know about it. I am sure the issue is that they are implementing technology but don't know how to use it. That's why they have unknowingly blocked these services and every month they have some link broken.
Name withheld by request
Ajman,UAE
As I read the comments of others, I came to know that all of them are blamming Etisalat. I spoke to one agent in Internet Help Desk and he told me that their intention was to block VOIP and all the programs which use that protocol. They have done this according to information from TRA.
Hemash
Ajman,UAE
We pay a high amount of money to Etisalat to access the internet, and what do we get in return? Blocked access! Hundreds and thousands of websites, even those which have no sign of porn are blocked by Etisalat. All net to phone services have been blocked. All instant messenger voice services have been blocked. Why is Etisalat doing this? I am really waiting for the new communication company to come up, so that we are relieved by this proxy and blocked access all over the internet. I think that all websites should be opened up and all internet voice communications should be available, including net to phone. Why the am I paying so much in charges for restricted access?
Syed
Dubai,UAE
Even though you pay the full slab for the internet, you are not allowed to have the full benifits.
Karim
Sharjah,UAE
I live in Sharjah with a direct ADSL connection with Etisalat not EITC. Services on MSN and Yahoo messenger related to voice conversations are also blocked. Speaking to the Etisalat helpline, they said the Emirates Telephony Regulatory Authority has blocked access to such services. We live in a nation that has set new global standards in all areas including IT but we still have restricted access over the Internet. In Sharjah, Yahoo is also not working. I could use it just a month ago, but now I can't. I called EIM but they said they didn't block it. I don't know what the problem is.
Arshad
Sharjah,UAE
I have been facing the same problem with Yahoo voice chat. It has been blocked by a restrictive firewall.
Hey everyone, use Google Talk. It's free and very clear. No problems so far.
Anj
Dubai,UAE
The only way to block skype and other VOIP services is through etisalat. Why are we alrady paying huge amounts(compared to EU countries) for internet connection? Maybe it is called democracy in the UAE. Thank you etisalat.
Prophete
Dubai,UAE
It's the same with Skype. It's not possible to download it from www.skype.com. If you have it already it will be impossible to connect after one week. For sure, this is only a money problem. Etisalat lose monet if peopleith those softs lose money: people don't use the phone to talk. This is an old conception of communication. It's not fair for a company who want to give a modern image. They have a strategic problem.
Philippe
Dubai,UAE
I am a regular user of Skype. I have already paid for the credits in skype but now etisalat blocks it. This is unfair. I am now waiting for the opening of another company which I hope unlike etisalat provide all the services.
Mavin
Dubai,UAE
It's not true what etsalat say because they block all websites you can use for calls, like mywebcalls, mywebphones.sipgate, yahoo and more. Etisalat block even skype but some pepole have spical proxy to open the site and top up credit.
Sonson
Abu Dhabi,UAE
This is ridiculous, we are paying for a service so we expect service delivery. On the other hand if nothing is done to correct this matter, what are our options? We will be forced to use Etisalat calling cards. Just as they planned.
Nosh
Dubai,UAE
I think it's ridiculous that Etisalat has blocked Skype purely for monetary gain. They should give the more needier people a chance for once. Have a heart for once and stop thinking about profits. People can't get in touch with their loved ones without paying through their noses for a service which we are already getting charged for.
David
Dubai,UAE
We expatriates in Dubai should have the freedom like any other country.
This is not fair and deterimental to the growth of this nation.
Ron
Dubai,UAE
It's obvious that Etisalat block everything like Skype and other VOIP software. It's the result of a sole telecom operator in one country.
Joseph
Dubai,UAE
I have also experienced the blocking of yahoo messenger voice chat in Sharjah for the last few weeks. Other paid voice services like Hotfone are also blocked. It's really frustrating and should be resolved at the earliest.
Nagaraju
Sharjah,UAE
It's surprising to see so many people having problems. Surprisingly I am not facing any problems and mine is working fine.
Sonu
Dubai,UAE
It's true that Etisalat block all the websites where people can chat.
Joy
Dubai,UAE
I am also experiencing a problem with the voice server of Yahoo Messenger which is showing that the voice server has been temporarily withdrawn. Even Skype has not connecting for the last two days. When we are trying to connect, the message says "connection blocked by Firewall." It seems Etisalat have blocked all these sites which is causing problems to contact our parents back home in India who always wait to talk to their grandaughter here in Dubai. This is a very shocking thing on Etisalat's behalf. We paying every month and get our necessary servers blocked. Etisalat's customer care says they do not know anything. This is really suspicious and surprising in Dubai.
Somnath
Dubai,UAE
Etisalat is known for blocking web services which allow people to connect to each other. It harms their revenue. This is really an unfair monopoly.
Name withheld by request
Sharjah,UAE
I am an expatriate working in Dubai and my family expect to be in touch with me through yahoo messenger. I bought a computer for my home in India but all of a sudden yahoo messenger with voice was blocked and it was a bolt on our head.
Dinesh
Dubai,UAE
I am very disappointed by EITC that they have blocked yahoo calls for three months and my friends in other countries are using the program with out any error. Etisalat is saying they have not blocked the site. They are lying with their customers. I don't know why they have restricted the programme if we don't have the freedom to use net they should tell customers boldly that they have blocked the program.
Saba
Dubai,UAE
All expatriates here are only guests, even though they are paying for certain services they should learn to use facilities that are provided and enabled by local authorities and companies. It's futile to complain and compare with other nations. All the poor Asian labourers do not use Yahoo messenger or MSN but use regular telephone and if they can bear the costs of telephone calls, it is really normal for the local telephone company to expect similar conduct from other populations as well. Even though I am personally effected with such blocking and regret the additional expenses, I have concluded myself with above logic. May be I am correct?
Narayan
Sharjah,UAE
Yes, Yahoo voice and even Skype is blocked. It's really unfair if Etisalat block these sevices. we really want to contact with our relatives at any time and every where.
I got DSL only to benefit from conferences in UK and Canada, but now I think I shouldn't renew my contract with Etisalat if the problem from their side and they don't want to solve it.
Ahmed
Abu Dhabi,UAE
This is not fair on customers. We are paying for the service, we are paying for the computer, why should we be forced to use Etisalats long distance calling mechanism only. I would not rely on yahoo messenger in case of emergency, but to talk to some friend in Aus, and hear his voice I would prefer using yahoo. I can understand that internet screening is needed in this country keeping in mind that a lot of content on the net can hurt sentiments, but seemingly this argument is being used to make profit with long distance calls. If I want quality of voice, reliability and service I would use etislat, but why am I being forced to use them. Why can't I have a choice like every other ISP provider? I am sure people living in Dubai will benefit from this service.
Kartik
Deira,UAE
Since Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) is not allowed by Etisalat and there being a substantial loss of revenue, as more and more people are using this VOIP service provided by the host of messenger service providers like Yahoo, Hotmail, Skype and all. Etisalat interferes and the gateway provider to the internet to the whole of UAE and has barred this service.
Even though the telecommunications rates are the highest in UAE, Etisalat deprives people from using cheap alternative modes of communication. In a free market economy one cannot stop this. This is something Etisalat needs to understand or else they need to reduce the telecommunication tariff substantially similar to the countries in India and all.
Etisalat has to face up competition, especially when world over telecommunications rates are tumbling down. It will not do good for it to use such absurd and protection methods by blocking sites and cutting people in the UAE off from the rest of the world.
Dominic
Dubai,UAE
We pay for the internet to communicate with our family via webcam and voice chat. When it is not possible to do, then what is the point in paying for internet connection?
Farzad
Dubai,UAE
The problem is not only with EITC customers, for Etisalat normal customers also the call option in Yahoo Messenger has been blocked for at least three months now. The skype is also not available. This is very irritating while paying for the internet but not getting the full service because of Etisalat blockage.
Sohini
Dubai,UAE
This article pertains to the most recent block done by Tecom (DIC) to the UDP ports 10000-20000 and possibly the SIP ports. Tecom is claiming a block was made by Etisalat on their servers without their control. How far that is true, we dont know.
We already know Etisalat has blocked voip but isn't that the point of being in a free zone? Dubai needs to follow its own regulations in the freezone. DIC always mentions that they do not have any internet restrictions.
TECOM - Get your act together!
Rishi
Dubai,UAE
I have been using the messenger services for the last 10 years and haven't faced any types of problem in any country. This is a free service provided by certain companies, which should not be blocked.
Amit
Dubai,UAE
Skype, which can be used to make telephone calls, is also blocked at the moment. Skype is also as useful as yahoo messenger.
Mihar
Dubai,UAE
If these sites were blocked for religious, moral or political reasons, as Etisalat says, I could understand. But it's blocked purely out of economical reasons: this only hampers their control on the communications monopoly!
Charles
Dubai,UAE
Every Friday is my chance to speak to my parents in the Phils using Yahoo messenger. All of a sudden it is blocked. If they could unblock this, many people would be happy including me.
Wendelyn
Dubai,UAE
In Sharjah Yahoo is also not working. I could use it just a month ago, but now I can't. I called EIM but they said no we have not blocked it. But I don't know what the problem is.
Ansari
Sharjah,UAE
After installing the new version of msn messenger, I am facing the same problem as mentioned above. Even Yahoo messenger isn't responding for audio speak. I have received a message from yahoo stating that as you are behind the firewall, you are not able to activate audio.
Mohamed
Abu Dhabi,UAE
With so many residents of DIC properties being expats we all rely on this technology to stay in touch with loved ones. We pay for unfiltered internet access (becasue we are in a free zone) and there is no reasonable explanation about why this is being blocked.
Stuart
Dubai,UAE
Considering all the money we pay, this problem should not have happened, let alone taken this long to remedy.
Jumanji
Dubai,UAE
It is really frustrating when we try to open the site like MSN or Yahoo massenger most of the time it is blocked. Sites like Yahoo massenger/MSN/Skype should be opened.
Arindom
Dubai,UAE
It's going on for a while now (more than a month or two), because we used to talk to our parents back home but now it's stopped. We gave up trying and thought its may be another revenue generating method in Etisalat's agenda.
Fasahat
Dubai,UAE
I have experienced similar problems while trying to use Skype during the past two days! I thought at the beginning that this was a problem with Skype itself but then I realized that I was blocked from using it!
Emile
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Etisalat should not block instant messaging because it really helps us stay in touch with friends and families at a minimal cost. It is unfair to block instant messaging sites. It even helps us get in touch with our customers.
Gina
Dubai,UAE
It's very frustrating. Many Filipinos are using yahoo messenger. It's the one way to save money on calls. Mobile calls are expensive so many Filipinos here in the UAE are using YM
Ivy
Dubai,UAE
It's a well known fact that Etisalat hired a company to block all voice related IP traffic, thereby preventing people from using VOIP services. Since the packets are being blocked all over Dubai, it's not surprising that Etisalat is interfering here as well in order to ensure that people are forced to only use their telecom network and not allowed to make cheaper calls using private telecom companies. All of these acts of blocking VOIP are in DIRECT contravention to what the UAE has agreed with WTO in privatizing the telecom sector.
Abdullah
Ajman,UAE
Yahoo is still not working. This is a problem for all Dubai users. I hope to look into the matter and to solve it as soon.
Salman
Duabi,UAE
I live in Dubai, with a direct ADSL connection with Etisalat not EITC. Services on MSN and Yahoo messenger related to voice conversations are also blocked. Speaking to Etisalat helpline representatives on the hotline such comments that the Emirates Telephony Regulatory Authority has blocked access to such services. We live in a nation that has set new global standards in all areas including IT but we still have restricted access over the Internet.
Karim
Dubai,UAE
The same situation here. I have sent an email to the techinical support group of Etisalat here in Al Ain, and they were kind enough to take time to reply, saying they were not aware of such circumstances, and that they will try to fix the problem. But to date nothing has changed. It has been months that Yahoo messenger voice chat is blocked. I wonder if truly they are not aware. Could it be because it is affecting the communication business with lesser calls being placed thru the company? Just thinking.
Luz
Al Ain,UAE
It's not true that these messengers are working in Abu Dhabi. It was working before and now the voice service for these messengers has been blocked for the last three months. These providers deny that this is their problem and it may be the internet provider's problem. My friends from other countries are still using this service. I checked with Etislat three times but they also said that they didn't block any service. But it is really frustrating and should be resolved as we are paying for internet and are not satisfied.
Vishnu
Abu Dhabi,UAE
I live in Mirdif and for the last month neither Skype nor iChat (for the Mac) have been working properly. The Skype website has always been blocked but having already had the programme on my computer I am frustrated that the service itself is now not working. With a sister in the US and parents in the UK it is an essential method of communication and the opportunity to video conference makes it that bit more special.
Steve
Dubai,UAE
It has been blocked in Jebel Ali for the last two weeks. My friend's is blocked in Abu Dhabi too.
Asif
Jebel Ali,UAE
The problem is not only with EITC customers, for Etisalat normal customers also the call option in Yahoo Messenger as well as MSN Messenger has been blocked for at least a month now.
Vinod
Abu Dhabi,UAE
I've been trying to talk with my friend in Dubai all summer. I met her last year when I was in Dubai for the summer and fall. We have MSN Messenger and I was thinking that it was the American government blocking my correspondence. She emailed me in June saying that she finally got internet service in her home, but all of my attempts to email to her have been returned with "Notification Failure." It's been very upsetting to me, because I don't want her to think I am ignoring her.
Catherine
Modesto,USA
We are also experiencing the blocking of Yahoo as well as MSN here in Sharjah. The authorities must look into it because as expat, it is the cheapest way of communicating with my family. If you ask Etisalat they always say that they are unaware of this problem.
Jesusito
Sharjah,UAE
