Whatsapp in UAE and Saudi Arabia

VPN for Whatsapp

Whatsapp remains one of the most popular apps for sending messages and making calls. It is widely available throughout the world with a few exceptions. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are two countries that block the use of Whatsapp for calls.

Those who have encountered this block may be able to use a VPN for Whatsapp video call features. Let’s take a look at the Whatsapp VPN solution and how it can restore your access to Whatsapp in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Is WhatsApp Really Unavailable in Dubai and Saudi Arabia?

The block for Whatsapp in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other areas of the UAE is not a complete ban. The messaging features of Whatsapp are available. It is the ability to make calls that is restricted. Why is this so?

The answer lies in the telecommunications duopoly that exists in the UAE. By government mandate there are only two telecommunications providers that are authorized to provide call service to the country. No other providers are permitted.

This duopoly allows Dubai to exercise some strict control over its telecommunications services. Some would also argue that it also makes it much easier to monitor call service. The ban goes back to 2016 and also affects some other VoIP services like Skype.

In Saudi Arabia the situation can be a little more complex. As recently as 2017 the kingdom relaxed some of its restrictions on VoIP calling services. It has since reverted to a harsher stance.

Using a VPN for Whatsapp Call Features in Saudi Arabia and the UAE

The reason that a Whatsapp block is problematic for many people is that both the UAE and Saudi Arabia host many expats and other foreign visitors. These individuals need a reliable way to contact their relatives at home. VoIP services like Whatsapp offer them an inexpensive option for making costly international calls.

The VPN Whatsapp hack is something most expats know about. If you are someone that has never visited the Dubai or Saudi Arabia, the time to consider a VPN is now. Don’t wait until you arrive in the country because you may find it difficult to access some VPN provider websites.

This is how it works. When you use a VPN to connect to Whatsapp, the app recognizes the VPN server that you are using to determine your location. If you connect to a server in a country where Whatsapp calling is allowed, you will be able to use the app to make calls in Dubai.

Most reputable VPN providers have hundreds of server locations. You can probably find one from your home country. The additional benefit of using a VPN for Whatsapp access is that you also have more security.

VPNs offer an encrypted connection that helps to keep your data safe from prying eyes. You can also use the same VPN to watch your local news content, and a VPN can be used to stream Netflix or other popular media services that may not be available in the places you are visiting.

The Best VPN for Whatsapp Calling in Dubai

There are a few things to consider before you choose a VPN to use with Whatsapp in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. You will want to make sure your chosen VPN ticks all of the boxes we will mention below.

Oh, something else to consider. If you are thinking about using one of the so-called free VPNs, be wary. Many of these VPNs are known to deliver spyware. You could be defeating the very purpose of using a VPN in the first place.

First of all, you need a VPN that has adequate speed to make calls. There can generally be a little drop off in speed when connecting to a VPN but this should be slight. If the speed is too slow, you will experience dropped calls and poor quality.

You also need a VPN that offers plenty of server locations to choose from. You always want to have the most options available.

Finally, your VPN should be committed to your security and privacy. This means using a VPN that does not log your activity.

VPNAccounts offers affordable and reliable VPN service that meets all of these requirements. We encourage you to check out the VPN plans that we offer today.

Whatsapp VPN APK Download

Do you need to download Whatsapp? You can easily do so from the PlayStore and the App Store. Whatsapp is available for both Android and iOS devices. You can use it on either a phone or a tablet.

The app itself is free. You will find that this is a reliable way to make calls and send messages in almost every part of the world.

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How to Use Skype in Oman

Skype VPN

skypeblocked One of our many website visitors recently emailed asking us how to connect Skype in Oman. It seems that his wife recently began working in the Arab region. Being a seasoned expat, Skype is something she’s used frequently in the past to communicate with her husband in the States. Upon arriving in Oman she encountered the Internet restrictions that are so prevalent in the region. Buy a vpn, bypass censorship and restrictions.

This is a common enough tale, and many people don’t realize Skype is blocked in Oman until they arrive. VoIP is possible in this area, but visitors need to know how to use Skype in Oman.

When was Skype blocked in Oman?

In 2009, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) initiated a raid against 121 cyber cafes resulting in 212 arrests for providing VoIP services such as Skype. Since that time, Oman has enforced a strict “no Skype” policy and also banned similar sites.

An attempt was made in 2012 to clarify the telecommunications laws made by the Omani Sultanate, but there has been no change in the restrictive policies which prohibit Internet users from accessing Skype.

The initial reason for the ban on Skype was that the ability to make free or cheap International calls put a serious dent in the coffers of Oman’s telecommunications industry. The state monopoly on communications is put in place to guarantee the Sultanate profits from expensive International calling services. The Sultanate knows how many expats reside in Oman, and they know how important it is for them to make International calls.

The Necessity of VPN in Oman

The Omani restrictions, out of necessity, prompted many expats to explore how to connect Skype in Oman. The answer was found in VPN technology which can restore access to Skype and a host of other restricted websites.

These days, it is not enough to know how to use Skype in Oman. One also needs to know where to seek out the best VPN providers. Many fly-by-night operations have sprung up in the wake of these blocks, and not all of them are good options. VPN customers need to be aware of things like connection speed and available servers before they commit to a purchase.

To assist expats and other residents of Oman obtain the best VPN service, VPN-accounts.com is happy to respond to emails like the one we mentioned at the beginning of this article. We know that you may have some questions before you decide to purchase a VPN from us. You may want to check out our FAQ or Setup Guide before you choose one of the plans we offer.

It is possible, within a very short period of time, to configure your VPN and restore access to Skype in Oman.

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Who put the smackdown on Skype in Oman?

use skype in oman Posts like this one are becoming far more common on the Skype forums: “I live in Canada and have been trying to Skype my husband who is working in Oman. Every time he tries to log into his Skype account he gets an error message. Why is there no Skype in Oman?”

Those who don’t know that Skype is blocked in Oman will soon figure it out upon arriving in this Arab nation. It can be a rude awakening, especially for expats who have few options for communicating with their family at home. Using Skype in Oman is possible, but visitors need to make some preparations beforehand to ensure access.

Who is blocking Skype, and why?

In Oman the ISP’s are directly controlled by the Omani government, and they take VoIP applications like Skype very seriously. In 2009, the Royal Oman Police raided 121 cyber cafes and arrested over 200 people for providing access to Skype and other VoIP services. You read that right—arrested. As in jail. A jail cell in Oman does not conjure up pleasant images.

So, why does the government in Oman hate Skype? Simply put, they feel that it undermines their handle on national security. People in Oman can forget about cheap international calls via Skype. The Omani regime considers this technology a prime stomping ground for terrorists.

You also have to consider that the government is highly involved in all telecommunications provided in Oman. Every penny saved using Skype is a penny that does not go into the government coffers. A very different mentality about what one can and cannot do on the Internet exists throughout the entirety of the Arab region, and tolerance is very low for those who choose to disobey the rules.

How are people beating the Skype smackdown?

Some websites have ill-advised those in Oman to use proxy servers to beat the Skype ban. This is a huge mistake. Most proxy servers do not sustain the speed necessary to enable VoIP phone calls. Those who are getting around the block on Skype are doing it with a VPN account, just like the one we offer.

VPN’s maintain a connection speed that will allow VoIP communication as well as the sharing of files and photos. The trick is making sure a VPN is purchased and configured before arriving in the region simply because the site with the guide may be blocked. If you happen to be in the region and unable to access the VPN setup guide we can email you a copy. The government actively blocks access to VPN provider sites like ours from within the country. Many people arrive in Oman unaware that they will not be able to purchase VPN service.

If you are going to use Skype in Oman, stay away from the more crowded cyber cafes and always use a VPN. Don’t say you weren’t warned! When con nected to the VPN, your online activities are anonymous and not logged by omantel.

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Pakistan to Block Skype & Related Apps – Breaking News

Pakistan has become the latest country to strike a blow against Internet freedom by announcing it will block Skype and Viber throughout a large portion of the country. Known for occasionally blocking access to Facebook and Twitter as well as an outright ban on YouTube, Pakistan claims that Skype and similar communications networks are being used by terrorists in an effort to avoid monitored conversations.

The ban will predominantly affect the Sindh Province and all those residing in Karachi. Pakistan has stated that the ban will last for three months, but many speculate that it could extend and also include services like Whatsapp and Tango and it will probably go on for longer than 3 months.

What does a block of Skype mean for those living and working in Pakistan? Are there ways to avoid the restriction? What are the implications of Pakistan blocking Skype for the rest of the world? These are questions Internet users in Pakistan and around the world must answer in the coming days.

What does Pakistan blocking Skype really mean?

The obvious concern here if for nationals and expatriates who reside in Pakistan. These individuals will no longer be able to access Skype through local and state-owned ISP’s. Skype is a preferred method of communication, especially for expats who need to speak to family at home because it is more cost-effective than International calling and offers the benefit of video chat in most cases.

There are many expats working in the health and education sectors of Pakistan. These individuals will be directly and immediately affected by the Skype block. It can be difficult for an expat from the West to adjust to situations like this which strike at the heart of free speech. Many of these individuals will be forced to find alternate means of communicating with loved ones and business associates.

Beyond the obvious implications, the more sinister aspect of a Pakistan block of Skype is that it further reduces the freedom of the Internet in a region which is already known for heavy-handed restriction. As more countries in this region block communications apps other countries follow suit. There has been a determined effort to monitor Internet activity under the pretense of security. Skype is already blocked in Oman, UAE and Belize.

Thankfully, there is a way to evade the Skype block in Pakistan. Expats and their families should pay particular attention to the following section.

Unblocking Skype in Pakistan

The solution for unblocking Skype in Pakistan is a VPN account. We are happy to provide these services to those who have been affected by this unfortunate news. Purchasing a VPN is simple and it can be configured in a short time with the detailed instructions we provide. Simply select the option you need from our Buy VPN page, complete your purchase, and restore your Skype access in Pakistan.

For the families of expats who are working in the region, it is important to consider the following information. Some VPN provider sites, including ours, are blocked in some locations to prevent purchasing a VPN account. It may be necessary for someone outside Pakistan to purchase the VPN account for their family member who is working in Pakistan. This is one of the best things you can do for your loved one if they are an expatriate. Do not allow your communication with them to be cutoff. This is preventable. Alternatively, if you are planning a trip to Pakistan but have not yet departed, make sure you purchase one of our VPN options before you leave.

In addition, your VPN account will also allow you to access local television programming, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and a host of other services that you are able to use at home. Your overall security will also be improved through the encryption of your connection and data transfer.

It is important to know that you do not have to routinely accept a Skype block in Pakistan. The time to address this important issue is now, however, as the ban is expected to be fully implemented in a very short period of time.

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VPN Download – Is it Necessary to Download a VPN?

No Download VPN One of the biggest misconceptions about private Internet browsing is that a VPN download is required in order to start using the service. This is incorrect, and you don’t need to download a VPN at all. Let’s take a closer look and clear up some common fallacies about private Internet access and how it works.

You already have VPN software

The reason you don’t need to download a VPN is because the device you are using is pre-loaded with a VPN client that will allow you to set up your network with just a few clicks.

If you are using any of the modern operating systems like Windows 7 or the latest version of the Mac, your VPN software is already installed and ready to be configured. Let’s say you are using Windows 7. Open up your Network and Sharing Center and you will see a tab that allows you to configure a new network. There is an option there which will allow you to set up a VPN network. It’s the same on your Android phone or iPhone. Your tablet also has a VPN client that does not require a VPN download. Even Linux users will find a VPN client preinstalled on the latest version of their preferred distro.

Pretty much every device that is currently sold has a built-in VPN client, so to make this clear: you do not need a VPN download to access a Virtual Private Network like the one we offer. Simply click here to buy a vpn account subscription. 

What you need is a VPN Account

The VPN software on your computer or Internet-ready device is not a standalone VPN. This is where many people get confused. The VPN client only gives you the framework to run a VPN on your device. To use it you must purchase a VPN account and configure your client with the credentials supplied by your VPN provider.

Does it sound confusing? It really isn’t difficult at all. What you are paying your VPN provider for is the service. You already have the software necessary to use the service. This actually simplifies the process and eliminates the need for you to download a VPN from the Internet.

Whenever you hear people talking about a VPN you’ll often hear them incorrectly state that you need to download software in order to use a private network for various purposes. Let’s take a look at a few things which do not require a VPN download:

Downloading a VPN is not required to watch US TV Networks

If you are a United States citizen traveling or working abroad, one of the first things you may have noticed is that a lot of American networks like ABC, NBC, CBS and others are blocked because of a geo-restriction. When you start asking around about how to remove this restriction, people might say that you “need to download a VPN.”

This is incorrect. When you purchase a VPN from our site you do not need to download anything. We supply all of the information you need to configure your VPN client so that you can bypass geo-restrictions and start enjoying your local programming on the road. Geo-restriction is mostly accomplished by means of identifying your location through your IP address, and a VPN can make it appear that you are accessing the Internet from the US.

A VPN download is not required to unblock Skype

There are many areas of the world in which Skype, Viber, Whatsapp, and other communications networks are blocked. You may have been told that downloading a VPN will unblock these services, but that is technically wrong.

Unblocking Skype and similar services is possible with a VPN that does not require a download. Once you have entered your network credentials and configured your VPN client, all you need to do is connect to the VPN and your access to these blocked services will be restored.

Downloading a VPN is not necessary to avoid censorship

An increasing number of countries are stepping up their efforts at Internet surveillance and censorship. This has prompted more people to search Google for ways to secure their privacy online. Unfortunately, some of the Google results can be misleading by suggesting that you need a VPN download to maintain anonymity. All you need to do is follow a VPN setup guide to configure your device.

We’ve shown you through numerous examples that this is not the case. So, to reiterate what we have explained in this article, let’s recap:

  • A VPN download is not something you need to use a VPN
  • Your computer or Internet-ready device already has a VPN client installed
  • To use your VPN client you must have a VPN account.
  • Configuring your VPN client is very simple and takes only a matter of minutes.
  • Once your VPN client is configured you will be able to connect to your VPN and enjoy the enhanced security a VPN provides.

Don’t let some common misconceptions about downloading a VPN stop you from using the services we provide.

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Skype & Viber Could Get Blocked in Bahrain Soon

Bahrain is the latest Arab nation to consider blocking Skype and other communications services like Viber and Whatsapp. Several other countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia and Oman, have already blocked some of these applications, citing security concerns and a loss of telecom revenue as their primary reasons for taking action. The blocking of Skype in Bahrain could sometime during the latter half of 2013.

Countries in the region are disturbed by the fact that they cannot monitor Skype and other services. In an area which has been a hotbed of Islamic radicals, the need to shore up security has become a priority. In addition, the presence of millions of foreign workers in the region means that national telecom companies are losing money whenever expatriates use Skype or Viber to make calls or send messages to loved ones in their home country.

Many people use VoIP in Bahrain

Skype, Viber, and other similar apps function via something known as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). These applications use the delivery system of the Internet to make calls and send text messages in much the same way that they are sent on a smartphone. It has been estimated that millions of people in the region use the services, and one study commissioned by the Bahrain government revealed that 100,000 people had used VoIP during a period of four days to make calls, send photos, and otherwise interact with people outside of the region.

If Skype is blocked in Bahrain many people will be affected. One solution that people are using in preparation for a state-imposed block is a VPN account. Using a VPN lets users access Skype and other blocked services by encrypting the connection. When the connection is encrypted the filters used by Internet Service providers to block sites will not be able to block the request to open a page etc since it will not be able to identify what a user is accessing or trying to access.

Blocking encrypted communication in Bahrain

Another concern is that Bahrain will eventually seek to block Skype and Viber because of the secure aspects of these services. VoIP services typically use a fairly high level of encryption to protect users from having their data stolen. This encryption can make it difficult for government officials to observe communications.

Saudi Arabia initially sought to force VoIP services to drop the encryption of data in order to spy on the communications of users. Such a concession is unlikely to be granted by Skype on account of the furor that would be generated among its customer base. The only solution left for countries like Bahrain and Saudi Arabia is to ban the services outright.

Moral values and traditions in Bahrain

The government of Bahrain has stated that the use of Skype threatens the “moral values and traditions” of the Islamic region. Obviously, some users engage in communications which would be accepted in the West but frowned upon in Bahrain. Exchanging this kind of communication in Bahrain or Saudi Arabia can be construed as a violation of law. While there are no specific regulations which govern what constitutes a moral breach online, a lack of specifics has never deterred these countries from taking harsh legal action when behavior is deemed immoral.

Bahrain and other Islamic provinces like Saudi Arabia do not regard the law and Islam to be different concepts. They are considered to be joined at the hip, and Islamic Law is what tends to govern the court system.

How to use Skype in Bahrain

If a ban of Skype, Viber, and Whatsapp does move forward in Bahrain, there is still a way that nationals and expatriates can access the site. The method for doing this involves what is known as a VPN, or Virtual Private Network.

Almost all Internet-ready devices offered today come with a built-in VPN client. Windows, MAC, the iOS, and Android platforms all include a VPN client. In order to make it work, a user needs to establish a VPN account and then configure the VPN client with the network credentials. This is a relatively simple process which can be done in a matter of minutes.

Once the VPN is set up, a user in Bahrain can appear to be accessing the Internet from the US or another area where Skype is not blocked. Skype will register the IP address presented by the VPN and conclude that the user is in that geographical location. At the same time, since traffic is encrypted over the VPN, filters used by Bahrain would not know you are bypassing the restrictions.

In addition to being able to access Skype in Bahrain, VPN’s use a very complex level of encryption. This encryption protects sensitive data from prying eyes. In this way, users do not have to worry about whether or not they are violating the moral standards of Bahrain by sending photos, messages, or other communications that the region finds offensive.

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Viber Banned in Saudi Arabia! Are Whatsapp & Skype Next?

The banning of Viber by Saudi Arabia is just the latest in an ongoing attempt by countries in the region to limit or block the usage of communication applications. The UAE only recently lifted a ban on Skype, and that service is still blocked in Oman. The Saudi regulator of telecom services contends that Viber is difficult for the state to monitor, and that Saudi telecom operators are losing revenue from international calls and text messages. The ban of Viber took effect in early June.

Those who live and work in Saudi Arabia and the surrounding countries in the region are finding ways around this dilemma, primarily through the use of VPN accounts. A VPN allows users to surf the web without disclosing their geographical location. Viber, Skype, and similar services are typically blocked. Using a VPN would encrypt the connection and provide you access to  the services blocked.

Why would Saudi Arabia ban Viber?

Those who subscribe to Viber can make calls and chat over the Internet in much the same way as they can over Skype. In addition, certain files can be shared by Viber users. The popularity of services like Viber, Whatsapp, and Skype has increased because the cost of using the service is much cheaper than international smartphone service.

Unfortunately, Saudi Arabia is a country that still exerts a considerable amount of control over Internet freedom. The state has difficulty exerting that control where Viber is concerned. Concerted efforts are made by the Saudi government to regulate how individuals use the Internet. Some of these efforts are probably in response to security concerns voiced by other nations. The Saudi region has been at the center of much controversy in recent years, and by monitoring the Internet in a strict way Saudi Arabia would seem to be making a good faith gesture on the topic of security concerns.

Some argue that Islamist militants are using social networks and services like Viber to encourage unrest and network amongst themselves. Whatever the reason, it does not appear likely that Saudi Arabia will relinquish control of Internet services and applications in the near future.

Expatriates in Saudi Arabia affected by Viber Ban

One problem with banning Viber and other communication services in Saudi Arabia is that at any given time there are many expatriates working in the country. These individuals hail from the USA, UK, and a host of other nations. In many cases, the most economical way for foreigners working in the region to maintain contact with their home country is through a service like Viber.

Viber allows expatriates to talk to family members at home, send messages, and otherwise communicate without incurring international costs on their smartphones. Many of these individuals are using a VPN account to access services like Viber which are not banned in their own countries. There are over 9 million expatriates in Saudi Arabia, and many of these foreign workers rely on Viber and Skype for essential communication services.

Are Skype and Whatsapp next?

Despite the fact that the UAE has lifted a ban on Skype, it seems very possible that individuals in Saudi Arabia could find themselves unable to access Skype and Whatsapp in the near future. There is no reason to believe that the Saudi government would not take a similar action against these communication applications because they essentially provide the same services as Viber.

Blocking Skype and Whatsapp in Saudi Arabia would be a deathblow for communications services in the region. Skype is currently blocked by Oman, and other countries in the region such as Bahrain are also considering blocking Skype and Viber.

The protection of a VPN

When the Saudi telecom regulator announced the ban of Viber, the agency also hinted that using the applications could be a violation of local laws. This vague reference to illegal activity is a little scary when one considers how easily laws can be created and enforced in Saudi Arabia.

If one were to attempt to access the services, even if a website indicated the service was blocked, there is a possibility that this would be a violation of local Saudi law. The only way to endure anonymity when using Viber in Saudi Arabia is through the use of a VPN account.

A VPN account is easy to obtain and affordable. Windows, MAC, Android, and the iOS all come with a built-in VPN client which allows a user to setup their VPN account on a variety of devices. All that is required are the credentials supplied by the VPN provider and users can begin to access the web securely without revealing their geographical location. Many VPN accounts even allow the user to choose an IP from different areas.

It is much better to be safe than sorry when using Viber in Saudi Arabia. A VPN gives Internet users the freedom to continue using the service even though it is currently inaccessible from a Saudi IP address. If you would like to read about the whatsapp privacy policy click here.

More topics: How to use Whatsapp in UAE and Saudi Arabia? 

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Best Secure Messaging Apps In 2019

Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Snapchat are very popular ways to stay in touch with family and friends. These free to use apps are available in many parts of the world, but there are some exceptions. In restricted areas you can usually use the messaging app by connecting to a VPN. A VPN will also give you encrypted protection when you are browsing the Web.

Many messaging apps also feature encryption. These apps tend to take the privacy of the user with more seriousness than those platforms that do not use encryption. The goal is to make sure that only you and the recipient of your message are able to see the communication between one another.

What is Encryption for Messaging Apps?

End-to-end encryption, also known as E2EE, is the most common form of encryption that is used by messaging apps. Only the sender and receiver are able to see messages sent with this protocol. It also stops messaging apps from storing copies of old messages that could be retrieved later. Many people don’t like the idea that a government agency or even a prying partner could pull up old messages.

We strongly recommend that you always use a VPN when using messaging apps like WhatsApp or iMessage. This will give you even more protection than that which is standard with the app. VPN service from VPNAccounts.com is affordable and reliable. We provide many server locations and are able to offer support when requested.

Let’s now move forward into a brief look at three superior messaging apps for 2019.

iMessage

As a proprietary Apple application, iMessage is only currently available for Apple devices. It can be used on MacOS desktop and laptop computers as well as iPhones and iPads. It has a strong set of features that will appeal to someone who engages in a lot of messaging.

End-to-end encryption is just the beginning when it comes to the security features of this messaging app. It will also allow users to decide how long a message is available to the recipient. Like a Snapchat, the message can be automatically deleted in a specific period of time.

Apple is led by Tim Cook who has been outspoken about Internet privacy. Strange then that Apple doesn’t necessarily point out the inherent flaw with backing up messages to iCloud. Apple controls the encryption of iCloud, and they could be compelled to reveal the messages you have backed up there when faced with a demand from law enforcement or government.

It bears mentioning here that most VPN providers do not keep logs of your messaging or browsing data. If an agency were to request a record of your messages from a VPN provider there would be nothing to give them.

Wickr

Wickr is a messaging app that was actually created by privacy and security specialists. It has been around since 2012 but is only now catching on with a larger audience. Wickr sort of set the benchmark for end-to-end encryption with messaging apps, being one of the first to make it available.

The nice thing about Wickr is that it encrypts messages by default. It is also true that the company subjects itself to regular security audits by independent personnel. A final plus is that Wickr is open-source.

There are two version of the messaging app to choose from, Wickr Me and Wickr Pro. Those who choose Wickr Pro are usually businesses that need to organize messaging for their teams. We really like that the keyboard detection feature in Wickr prevents the use of third-party keyboards. The app will also make all deleted files unrecoverable.

Viber

Yes, Viber is still a thing in 2019. It has about 260 million monthly users all over the world. Viber mainly positions itself as an alternative to Skype. It wasn’t until 2016 that Viber began to offer end-to-end encryption, though, so it is still playing catch up in many respects.

Viber is available on all major OS platforms, and it uses a cool color-coding scheme to let you know when messages are more secure. Gray means that your messages are encrypted. Green means that the person you are messaging is trusted, and red means that the communication is not secure.

The only drawback about Viber is that it is still restricted in many parts of the world. It also only encrypts one-on-one chats, not group chats. But, you can easily remedy these concerns when you secure your connection with a VPN.

Remember, your online privacy and security matter! Don’t gamble with them. Get a VPN from us today and message your friends with peace of mind.

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Using a VPN with VoIP Applications

A VPN is still one of the best ways to protect yourself online. This valuable tool helps to increase your online privacy through encrypted connections that are practically invisible to others. Many people around the world use VPN technology for a variety of purposes. They unblock websites and applications that are restricted in some areas, browse without revealing their IP address, and access VoIP services for inexpensive calls.

Using a VPN with VoIP platforms like Skype can be tricky. There are a few special considerations when it comes to using a VPN to carry VoIP traffic. Here are the important things that you should know.

VPNs and VoIP

People have different reasons for wanting to use a VPN with a VoIP service. The most common reason is increased security. No one wants to think about someone possibly spying on their calls when they are making them over an Internet connection.

Most VoIP providers do a poor job of providing a secure environment. The protocol that supports VoIP, Session Initiation Protocol, has long been criticized for its security vulnerabilities. It only makes sense that anyone using a VoIP would want to take measures to improve privacy. Using a VPN will accomplish that simple task without a hassle.

If you ask most individuals what their concern is when it comes to VPN and VoIP, the most common answer is performance. Because a VPN creates a secure connection that exists between your device and the Internet, reductions in data speed are not uncommon. These can be minimal when you choose a provider like VPNAccounts. With other services that are promoted as “free” but contain ads, the speed of your connection can be reduced in a noticeable way.

What does this mean for you? If you are only using Skype or WhatsApp to make an occasional voice call, there probably won’t be much of an issue with less performance. The occasional dropped call or lost connection might not be such a big deal. But what if you are dependent upon VoIP for more intensive use? That might require you to take a look at a VPN that is especially suited for VoIP traffic.

Latency and Jitter

The two big problems with VoIP technology and VPNs are referred to as latency and jitter. These problems are related to one another and can affect the overall quality of the calls you are making with VoIP.

Latency is essentially the lag between the time data packets are sent to your computer network and the time you receive them. In most cases latency is so minimal on today’s fast networks that you never even notice it happening. We’re talking milliseconds here.

What does that have to do with VoIP? It’s a phone call, right? Well, yes and no. It is a phone call, but not one that is made with traditional landline processes. The voice that you hear when you make a call with a VoIP is essentially a form of data transfer. Therefore, latency can come into play. If this latency increases to a point where it is noticeable, the quality of your calls can be affected.

Jitter happens when the data packets that are sent to your network arrive in a jumbled order due to variance in latency. Some parts of a conversation may become unintelligible while other calls might be dropped entirely. When latency increases, the risk of jitter goes up.

How to Avoid VoIP VPN Problems

Thankfully, the fix for latency and jitter when using a VPN for VoIP is pretty simple. If you plan on using your VPN to make VoIP calls then you will need to consider a reputable paid provider for your VPN service.

It is easy to be led astray by VPN services that are promoted as free. The truth is that they are anything but free. You might not be paying money each month to access a free VPN, but you will pay in latency and jitter. This is because most free VPN services do not have the capital to maintain or expand their networks.

Free VPNs may be limited on server locations, meaning that more of the servers they do have are handling the brunt of traffic on the network. This can create slower speeds. Slower speeds will increase latency, cause jitter, and make it difficult for you to use VoIP.

A paid VPN service will generally provide more server locations. It will also use greater security protocols. There will not be any ads or other malware that your computer might have to contend with when using the paid VPN service.

Therefore, if your business depends upon the use of VoIP you will probably need to consider a reasonable paid VPN plan. We have many affordable VPN plans to choose from, and our service has a reputation for fast connection speeds.

Remember, your communications are a big part of your business. Don’t risk losing customers or contacts by depending on a free VPN to carry VoIP traffic.

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01

Sign upBuy an affordable VPN account.

02

ConnectConfigure the VPN on your device.

03

Enjoy VPNEnjoy the benefits of a VPN today.

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Egypt Targets Voip And Blocks Skype

The war on Internet freedom took another dark turn at the beginning of October 2015 with social media reporting that Egypt would block Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications. Services that could be restricted in Egypt include Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber. source

Vodafone sent a message to its customer base stating that Skype has been blocked in Egypt until further notice, which serves to demonstrate that Internet providers in Egypt and other countries can levy blocks without any advance notice. Oman and the UAE have also enacted blocks of Skype in the past. In the UAE Skype-to-Skype is now permitted but WhatsApp and Viber remain unavailable.

Skype users in Egypt were quick to voice their displeasure on Twitter. While Mobinil, one of Egypt’s primary providers of mobile phone services, blocked Skype on its 3G networks last year, ADSL (a type of DSL broadband technology) Internet users began to report that they did not have access to Skype, WhatsApp, or Viber.

Why did Egypt block Skype and other VoIP Apps?

Telecommunication leaders in Egypt were quick to explain the VoIP blocks by claiming that significant financial losses by the telecom companies necessitated the blocks. Their claim is the same one that has been offered before in places like Oman and the UAE. Telecom operations, many of which are state-owned, claim that VoIP services discourage regular calling and text messaging.

When Skype and WhatsApp were questioned about the move they did not respond to initial queries. This is not uncommon given the possibility that VoIP could be unblocked on a moment’s notice. Companies do not want to do anything that would jeopardize their VoIP Apps being used in Egypt in the future.

A statement was issued by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority in Egypt, however, that dismissed reports of a Skype block as rumors.

Can a VPN unblock Skype in Egypt?

For Internet users that read the VPN Accounts blog and other news outlets, threats against online freedom do not come as a surprise. These individuals know that purchasing VPN service is a must for expats and other individuals that plan to be travelling abroad. As we stated above, blocks of VoIP apps can literally occur without advance warning. Individuals that have not previously secured their VPN service before arriving in a host country may find themselves without their preferred VoIP service.

3 Steps to use VPN

01

Sign upBuy an affordable VPN account.

02

ConnectConfigure the VPN on your device.

03

Enjoy VPNEnjoy the benefits of a VPN today.

Get a VPN Account

Connect & Enjoy: Internet Freedom, Privacy & security. Purchase your VPN today!