An Asian organisation operating under the brand 'HeyU' is offering internet users in the UAE what it terms “a little extra help” accessing blocked websites such as Skype.com, whilst claiming that a British firm is working with the UAE authorities to completely block VoIP traffic.


The Asian group’s offer – detailed in full on the ‘wiki’ page of the Mathaba News Network’s website (here) - takes the form of three paid-for ‘HeyU’ solutions; these are effectively ways in which consumers can get around the UAE’s Skype website block (and any other site blocks), download Skype software and buy Skype calling credit.


A statement by a HeyU spokesperson on the same page also rails against the UAE's policy of blocking websites, as well as condemning an unnamed British firm, which he states is working to block VoIP traffic in the Emirates.

‘HeyU Option 1’. This is targeted at internet users who don’t already have Skype software (or the latest version) on their computers and costs 20 Euros (US $25). This allows a user to download Skype via a non-blocked download link, which in turns lets them enjoy PC to PC calling.


Option 2 costs 30 Euros ($38). With this option, the user is sent a secure website address, along with a special username and password, which they can then use for three months, both to visit Skype.com and any other blocked websites. (This access to Skype.com also means that a user can purchase ‘SkypeOut’ calling credit and thereafter call landline phones around the world from their internet-connected computer.)


Finally, ‘HeyU Option 3’ is priced 50 Euros ($64) and includes all the elements of option 1 and 2, plus a 20 Euro ‘SkypeOut’ voucher.

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Voice processing technology provider Global IP Sound (GIPS) announced on Monday that it extended its partnership with Skype to enable hardware manufacturers to offer Skype compatible IP phones.


The new hardware systems will use GIPS' Voice Engine Embedded. Skype has licensed GIPS products in the past including VoiceEngine PC in the summer of 2003.

"Skype has clearly revolutionized global personal communications with its offering," said GIPS' president and CEO Gary Hermansen in a statement. "This latest step in our relationship helps to solidify this growing market by expanding the options for Skype-enabled hardware devices and the ability for consumers to have a consistent, high-quality user experience regardless of platform."

Today's news follows Skype's new release of its communications software for Mac, the Skype for Mac OS X 1.5.


Currently in beta testing, the new version is now available in nine languages including French, German and Spanish. Skype for Mac OS X 1.5's new features include an improved contact list, calls in windows and chat drawer; a simpler contacts search function; and an "Easy Dialer" for straightforward calling to landlines and mobile phones at lower prices.


Skype Limited


Global IP Sound


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Key to success? Don't call it VoIP


Twenty-four million people worldwide pay to use retail voice over IP (VoIP) services, new research has shown.


The number of retail VoIP subscribers jumped more than 80 per cent to 18.7 million during 2005 - or 24 million if you add users of PC-to-phone services such as Skype, according to Point Topic's IP Telephony report.


Based on reported revenues, the analyst estimates that one-sixth of VoIP subscribers used Skype in the fourth quarter of 2005.


The Asia-Pacific region has the largest share of VoIP users but the fastest growth is seen in Europe and the US.


The number of VoIP subscribers in Europe grew nearly threefold to 5.3 million during 2005 and is expected to pick up even more in 2006.


France has the highest VoIP adoption in Europe with 2.8 million paying subscribers, led by new carriers Free and neuf selling easy-to-use VoIP services - though incumbent France Telecom's VoIP push has also proved fruitful as it raised subscriber levels more than fivefold in 2005.


In the UK, BT's VoIP offering had "relatively few" subscribers by the end of 2005 but was picking up in early 2006, said the analyst.


One key success in the US, according to Point Topic, is marketing the service not as 'VoIP' but describing it in simple terms customers understand such as 'digital telephone'.



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When VoIP was first introduced over the Internet, most of the programs available offered free VoIP services. Ah, the good old days. Unfortunately, those days are gone and nowadays many of these services are no longer free; but are still offered at a very minimal monthly fee.


However, even after you've decided to purchase these VoIP services, you will still be amazed with the benefits and advantages that VoIP offers. Your calls are unlimited and you're able to make long distance calls at no charge, but you have to pay the low monthly fee.


Don't worry though as there are programs that still provide free VoIP services, among them are AdCalls and Skype. These two programs enable you to make calls using free VoIP programming.

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Increasing competition in the internet phone market is good news for consumers because it should help to drive down prices even further.


The flipside of having more choice, however, is that it becomes more difficult to decide which plan to go for — especially as the way you use the service will determine which company offers the best deal for you.




There are also other things to consider, including whether you want to go for a plan that allows you to make calls without switching on your PC.


In the end, however, you may have to move to whichever brand becomes market leader, because you only get free calls to people who are on the same network as you.


Here are some pointers to guide you towards the biggest savings.

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