Loss of VoIP in Qatar

Posts: 22 · Vonage Forum Associate Joined: Dec 11, 2005 Posts: 22

This is gaining some momentum as indicated in the admin post. To get further exposure, a "hot" petition signing campaign will sure get some attention from media outlets.

Here is one created just for that, please invite as many people as possible to sign it. The goal here is to get 10,000 signitures before QTel block that website as well.

American Citizens in Qatar Demand Internet Phone Service Restored

Posts: 4 · New Forum Member Joined: Dec 12, 2005 Posts: 4

Hello everyone, I just wanted to pass on that the letters and emails have it the mark, I understand from sources @ the American Embassy that the Ambassador is aware of the VoIP issue, and This topic will be addressed.

Posts: 8 · New Forum Member Joined: Dec 10, 2005 Posts: 8

nickverona wrote:

Hello everyone, I just wanted to pass on that the letters and emails have it the mark, I understand from sources @ the American Embassy that the Ambassador is aware of the VoIP issue, and This topic will be addressed.

Keep the pressure on till the issue is resoolved.. Good job all who is sigining the petition above.
Thanks to bmardini starting this move.

Posts: 4 · New Forum Member Joined: Dec 09, 2005 Posts: 4

I have contacted all the Hometown Newspapers back in my area, I have even sent CNN a news tip to help spread the word. Your average person does not even know where Qatar is, but they will know after this fight. They will remember, when someone says Qatar, " oh that's is the small Country that Censors the Internet". I don't think the Tourism the Government is counting on for the future is going to work out.

Think I will create a website about the Asian Games, since that is being searched alot and devote half the page on "QATAR BLOCKS VOIP"

Posts: 12 · Vonage Forum Associate Joined: Dec 13, 2005 Posts: 12

My Packet8 also have been blocked, I spent some time with the customer service on the phone, and finaly after some reserch it looks like they have blocked the "SIP" protocal and some ports from 5000 to 65xxx, I have been invistigating the VPN with my Kids back in LA, its doable but the cost is very high, you need 2 VPN routers then the problem of rerouting back in the state will need 2 DSL subscriptons,
I have been using the service for the past 14 month, money using the QTEL service for long distance is not an issue, but their line quality realy sucs compared with the VOIP.
Unfortionatly I am stuck here for another 2 years, I am thinking about Orbit satalite service, its not offered here but a friend of mine can sign me up from KSA, I have no idea if that would work.
As far as QTEL I don't think any thing would change their mind, I am paying 400 QR " over $110" for a lousy service while I am getting the same service from SBC back home for only $16.95
good luck for all of us !

Posts: 1715 · Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 2:14 pm Post subject:

Hey guys, how many of you are affected by this problem? (PM me) I might be able to think a few VPN solutions and have access to some (but not a lot) of bandwidth.

Also, suggestion for contacting the US media -- DO IT, BUT don't say "VOIP", as they won't have a clue as to what that is. Make it sound more dramatic. "Qatel blocks Americans from calling home." Smile

Play it up, make it sound politically motivated (rather than financial/etc). Keep it truthful, but there's plenty of ways to tell the truth and make it sound different without lying. The media is a tool, use 'em and abuse 'em! Also wouldn't hurt to drop a few messages to some of the international news agencies as well, especially BBC.

Posts: 39 · Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 3:23 pm Post subject: Loss of VOIP in Qatar

Please let us keep the pressure by emailing the American Ambassador and by signing the Internet Petition at this web address http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/838444935 .

I have added a media thread in CNN and on my home newspaper The Baltimore Sun. I hope one of these media giants pick up on these threads.

Take care, and God bless you all.

Posts: 19 · Vonage Forum Associate Joined: Dec 09, 2005 Posts: 19

I'd heartily suggest to contact the BBC as well. While not American, or US, they would be interested in the fact that we AND UK citizens can't contact home. Play it up "expatriate workers can't call home" type of thing. While an a bit of a stretch, not much of one when you consider the cost of Qtel international rates, which the Emir can't even afford!
Remember, Qatar has a long history with the UK, the ambassador may have a bit more influence.
After all, they're already taking our money for gas and oil, now taking extra from those who support the taking of the above? Might also be a point of discussion...
Anyone else notice a LOT of service interruptions during the day with Qtel? I suspect route/filter updates going on continously as some odd services are suddenly available for the first day after their D-day on us.

Posts: 12 · Vonage Forum Associate Joined: Dec 10, 2005 Posts: 12

I went to the Internet Director's office at QTel's al-Sadd street offices today. I was told that the people to talk to are Mustafa and Waleed on the 16th floor of the QTel building on the Corniche (on the right down from the City Center Roundabout if your coming from downtown).

This issue is also being followed on www.qatarliving.com. Isn't Vonage's slogan befitting right now? Wink

Posts: 22 · Vonage Forum Associate Joined: Dec 11, 2005 Posts: 22

Too bad Vonage is down, a friendly VoIP call to the Public Relations Office in the Qatar Embassy in DC might help raise the awareness, just slightly,

Public Relations
Ziad Soubra
Office Director
(202) 274-1636
zSoubra@aol.com

Hassan A. Ahmed
P.R. Officer
(202) 274-1637
hAhmed@qatarembassy.net