VoIP Now: What's Going On With Skype In Jordan?

October 26, 2006

What's Going On With Skype In Jordan?

There has been some confusion lately about Skype's use in Jordan. First it was blocked for security reasons. Then the decision was reversed. Then some blogs reported that it had been blocked again, due to an intent to protect the local economy. Apparently there's some confusion. David M. DeBartolo, a Fulbright Researcher in Jordan, interviewed the Jordanian telecom minister on Oct 17th and reported his findings in Skype Journal.

The minister, Eng. Omar A. Alkurdi, gave a response that sounds like something a typical politician would give. However, given that SJSU (San Jose State University) in California had planned to block Skype for security reasons (but backed down), it's possible. Apparently the minister is himself a Skype user. While Jordan may now have Skype again, a number of Emirates in the UAE (United Arab Emirates) is still blocking Skype, as is China, and with plans to do so in South Korea.

There seems to be a common refrain here, though. Skype's closed protocol seems to be ruffling feathers everywhere. Here's a prediction. Given a couple of years, Skype will either open up their protocol, or offer some way to make other VoIP services Skype-aware.

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October 26, 2006 in Regulation, Security, Skype | Permalink