Background
Skype has been the most popular VoIP service for years. It has allowed everyone using an internet connection to talk, send text messages and make video conference calls with other people around the world for free. When it started out, many Internet users were using a dial-up internet connection. After more than ten years of operation, things have changed. Most of the people use high-speed internet connections which allow Skype users to make a free or low-cost telephone calls around the world.
It’s not surprizing that many phone operators around the world were horrified when VoIP service providers like Skype launched their services. Due to worry of losing profits, especially on high-cost international phone call charges, many ISPs blocked Skype. They say the main reason for Skype blockage is high bandwidth usage. However, everyone knows that Skype uses a tiny amount of bandwidth.
Later on, it became known that the main reason for the ban was that ISPs were launching their exclusive VoIP services. For example, ISPs called ClearWire and Madison River based in the USA were found responsible.
Now, most of the countries around the world have allowed Skype as the mode of communication. However, there are still some countries that ban Skype. And they do not want to provide their citizens with free access to reach other people around the world at low or no cost at all.
Unblock Skype with a VPN
Using a Virtual Private Network service is probably one of the easiest ways to unblock services like Skype. Skype VPN works as a tunnel that sends all your requests through a secure channel. It allows you to bypass government and your ISPs surveillance. It also encrypts all your online data which makes your internet identity safe and anonymous.
Virtual Private Network service also lets you to decrees Skype phone call fees. Using a Skype VPN software, you can pick a server in the US. US connect server allow you to appear as you are residing in the USA. In the USA, Skype call charges are lower. Instead of making a video call, make a regular phone call with any of your contacts.
For a better speed, use a server from a country that’s closer to you and which allows VoIP services including Skype.
10 Best VPN Services for Skype
Some of the best VPN Skype service providers include ExpressVPN, SaferVPN, and ZenMate.
Here’s a full list of the best Virtual Private Network providers today:
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Countries That Block Skype and Other VoIP Services
As mentioned earlier, most of the countries that block Skype and other similar services are doing it because they wish to support local service providers instead.
For example, in Central and South American countries Skype is blocked due to the local service providers that offer both internet and telephone services. As Skype is providing free video and phone calls using the internet, then many telecom companies fear to miss out the revenue. Therefore they block Skype and other VoIP in their countries. In some countries, Skype and other VoIP services are limited regionally.
However, many countries still have telecom monopolies. It means that there’s only one provider in the country that is powerful enough to lobby policies like online service bans nationwide. Lobbying has happened in several countries, including Belize. But, for example, Egypt blocks Skype during times of political unrest as they can’t control its users’ activities online.
List of countries that have blocked VoIP and Skype nationwide include Guyana, Kuwait, Libya, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, Syria, UAE.
Some of the countries that have imposed geographical limitations on VoIP providers include Brazil, Caribbean, China, Cuba, Jordan, Mexico, Myanmar, Pakistan, Panama, Syria, Tunisia, Vietnam, Russia, Venezuela, and others.
Conclusion
Many countries block or impose some geographical limitations on Skype and other VoIP services nationwide. To connect VPN service for Skype is the best way to bypass restrictions and unblock Skype in a country where it’s not allowed. Virtual Private Network service channels the traffic and encrypts your data allowing you to avoid the ban and meanwhile also keep safe and private online.