Posted in Kuwait forum
Is it true that you can't use any VoIP services in Kuwait? How do expatriates talk/see their friends abroad?
Website censorship of a lot of social sites, such as Facebook, puts a lot of burden on the social networks of expats who move to Kuwait. How do you cope?
To me it seems unfair to ask expatriates who have lived abroad and are used to certain freedoms to be thus restricted.
Deleted user
thanx
posted by Abs Kan in Kuwait forum
:)
Any way some Internet providers do not allow to download Skype, but if you need an installation file, then do let me know, I can mail you a copy.
thanx
posted by Icerain A in Kuwait forum
thanx for acknowledging that Skype can be downloaded in kwt................the point from where the whole discussion started.
VOIP
posted by miles packer in Kuwait forum
Hi Vijay,
Thanks for acknowledging and clarifying that it's banned and therefore illegal - for the benefit of other forum users. But also you make a very good point that technology keeps on evolving and inventing new ways to circumvent the liability of the user. Cheers!
voip
posted by vijay raj in Kuwait forum
well, whether its pc to pc or pc to fone. its the same technology. VOIP. If anyone one tries to make a business of it, then certainly there are raids. this is true all over the world.
"Downloading and installing Skype is not the prob. It's when you get to the part when you want to pay them so you could call cellphone 'x' in lala-land is the prob. This requires you to log into their site open your account and put some folouse as credits - that page will not open because the site is banned."
Well, i thought you had a skype account before you came to kuwait. however,you can ask someone back home to credit on ur behalf.
"You reckon I should give some cash to a bunch of guys huh? Lol, that would be a cold day in hell"
Not at all.the account might abscond.thats a risk u take.just don't give them your whereabouts if you are too much concerned abt laws.
"So what happens if the Ministry catches me using Skype? Not that I would be stupid enough to use it at an internet cafe or other public location. Do I get fined?"
technically its nearly impossible. not sure about fine
Bottom line is, its illegal. but voip calls can never be blocked. Downloading music,movies is banned. has anyone stopped doing it ?
voip
posted by miles packer in Kuwait forum
You can only make PC to PC calls with yahoo in Kuwait. There have been raids in the past involving internet cafes that offer super cheap calls. If the Skype site is blocked, it means it is banned - much like porn, it is banned but you can still get it - at your own risk.
VOIP is banned in Kuwait to protect the profits of telecommunication companies whose ownership is influential.
getting caught
posted by Deleted user in Kuwait forum
So what happens if the Ministry catches me using Skype? Not that I would be stupid enough to use it at an internet cafe or other public location. Do I get fined?
Vijay's comments make sense
posted by Icerain A in Kuwait forum
i agree with Vijay that voip account payments can be managed thru some other means. by the way, the whole discussion started from "could not download skype". which is now very clear that skype can be downloaded in kwt without any problem.
keyword : govt has no role
posted by vijay raj in Kuwait forum
if govt had to do smtg of that sort, yahoo wud be the first one to get the axe. Whats makes you think yahoo is legal n others r not ? Yahoo is just trustworthy just like skype. Ministry may have said voip is illegal but in reality it cannot block. Its not as simple as blocking a porno site or proxy site.
it boils down to individual choice.as mentioned b4 u can buy credit by paying cash to some guys who deal this business. U can ask for refund if dat account becomes refund.VOIP
posted by miles packer in Kuwait forum
The keyword here is: Banned
That means that the gov't can shut down the VOIP you're using anytime, resulting in loss of available credits for you, OR: The VOIP can just withdraw their services anytime taking your available credits with them.
As opposed to using Yahoo YM PC to PC, or using your phone - both of which are perfectly legal therefore you are protected as a consumer.
I hope I made myself clear.
VOIP
posted by Abs Kan in Kuwait forum
Skype is not the only option u know. I agree the quality is gr8, but there are other alternatives that allow the same quality as well.
Like im using a VoIP device, something like a magic jack, but much better, I get a UK or a US land # and can Top up the account anytime from anywhere online.
Initially i setup just for incoming US #, which i got for free, then they gifted me a UK # as I recharged $20 + in a month.
:)