Skype confusion

Tom Dunne

I'm on a Samsung Galaxy Tab running 2.2 and I can't get Skype.

When I search in the marketplace, it is not found, when I try to download it via skype.com/m, it gives me a 404 error. And I have "Unknown Sources" ticked to allow installs from non-marketplace sources.

Any ideas why I can't see Skype to install it? Is is possible that my IP address is playing a part in this (I'm in the Middle East) and it is just not available in my area?

Very frustrating....

squire23

Tom Dunne wrote: »

I'm on a Samsung Galaxy Tab running 2.2 and I can't get Skype.

When I search in the marketplace, it is not found, when I try to download it via skype.com/m, it gives me a 404 error. And I have "Unknown Sources" ticked to allow installs from non-marketplace sources.

Any ideas why I can't see Skype to install it? Is is possible that my IP address is playing a part in this (I'm in the Middle East) and it is just not available in my area?

Very frustrating....

The answer is yes - the fact that you're in the Middle East is the reason. A lot of the countries in the ME have Skype banned as it poses a risk to their 'security' - what they basically mean is that they're losing money on international calls because of it. I'm in Qatar & can access it no problem but I know that it's completely banned in Saudi, in a number of the UAE emirates and also Oman (I think). Bahrain & Qatar seem to be a lot more relaxed about it. Your best bet is to either try & download the original apk or else download it onto you Tab when you're at home or in some other country.

Tom Dunne

squire23 wrote: »

The answer is yes - the fact that you're in the Middle East is the reason. A lot of the countries in the ME have Skype banned as it poses a risk to their 'security' - what they basically mean is that they're losing money on international calls because of it. I'm in Qatar & can access it no problem but I know that it's completely banned in Saudi, in a number of the UAE emirates and also Oman (I think). Bahrain & Qatar seem to be a lot more relaxed about it. Your best bet is to either try & download the original apk or else download it onto you Tab when you're at home or in some other country.

I'm in Bahrain.

I have even tried to get into the marketplace using my VPN connection, but for some reason can't seem to get it configured.

Not having a good day.

Mr E

I had a quick look on the skype forum (seems to be a common issue)
Someone has posted a link to the APK - I can't vouch for it though....

http://dstrn.com/1/andr/skype/

squire23

Tom Dunne wrote: »

I'm in Bahrain.

I have even tried to get into the marketplace using my VPN connection, but for some reason can't seem to get it configured.

Not having a good day.

Ah now that we have the WC2022 here you can just wait till they build the causeway & then just drive over here & download it!!

Seriously, I must've have had Oman & Bahrain mixed up. This article is a little old but from being out here I'm sure you can see - things don't move too quickly. Bahrain is listed as one of the countries that blocks it. But so is Qatar so not sure really what to say about that
http://almostfearless.com/2009/12/16/what-to-do-if-skype-is-blocked-where-you-travel-and-why-we-should-care/

Another option would be to use your Irish Sim if you still have it. I regularly replace my QTel Sim with my Meteor one to access paid apps.

Tom Dunne

Mr E wrote: »

I had a quick look on the skype forum (seems to be a common issue)
Someone has posted a link to the APK - I can't vouch for it though....

http://dstrn.com/1/andr/skype/

Great, thanks. I spent an age looking on that forum and didn't find it.

That link is in Russia. The big question is whether I trust it or not.

I am swaying towards no.

squire23 wrote: »

Ah now that we have the WC2022 here you can just wait till they build the causeway & then just drive over here & download it!!

The one that was to be built by 2012?

squire23 wrote: »

Seriously, I must've have had Oman & Bahrain mixed up. This article is a little old but from being out here I'm sure you can see - things don't move too quickly. Bahrain is listed as one of the countries that blocks it. But so is Qatar so not sure really what to say about that
http://almostfearless.com/2009/12/16/what-to-do-if-skype-is-blocked-where-you-travel-and-why-we-should-care/

Another option would be to use your Irish Sim if you still have it. I regularly replace my QTel Sim with my Meteor one to access paid apps.

Nah, Bahrain doesn't block Skype, I've been using it for over a year without problems.

I'll keep plugging at the VPN for now.

Tom Dunne

Just thought I would update this thread for future reference.

So, I got Skype installed on my Samsung Galaxy Tab.

How did I do it? I inserted my O2 Ireland SIM card, went to marketplace and there it was. When I originally went looking for Skype, I had my local (Bahrain) SIM card inserted.

I didn't realise the marketplace was restricted by the SIM card - now I know why you need to insert a SIM card to install any software.

srsly78

Unless you root your device to get around this.

Tom Dunne

srsly78 wrote: »

Unless you root your device to get around this.

To be honest, I wouldn't be bothered. Especially when it is as simple as inserting a different SIM card.