Skype is in use all over the world
Dear Editor,
Here’s what I received from my server today:
“GT&T has informed us today that all VOIP calls transmitting their internet backbone are blocked or degraded. The network policy was implemented today at 3:00 P.M., December 2, 2008.”
How on earth can this be? Doesn’t GT&T understand that systems like Skype exist and are in use all over the world and are most used in countries that promote freedom of expression and human rights? They have no right to prevent the citizens of Guyana from using these boons to communication, which are not a figment of science fiction, but are here, in use and available to the free world.
So who is pulling the strings? Is this another attempt to make Guyana more like Venezuela and reduce the freedom of the population? Human rights activists look sharp – this is definitely a blow against personal choice.
Oh, and let’s not forget the tourism industry. How many tourists will cancel when they hear they can’t use Skype? How can we encourage visitors with this stupidity in place?
GT&T better wake up. The good times are over. All calls will soon be free – anywhere in the world.
Yours faithfully,
Peter Bouchard
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They don’t realize that the convergence of Telecommunications and Data networks is booming and exploding? They are left to play catch up.
They are already building totally IP based PABX systems…….
GT&T is still yesteryear in some respects……they don’t have the Satellite Communications gateway technology that allows regular land line and cell users to make calls to a Satellite phone, however you can receive calls from a Satellite phone. Now why would you wanna make calls to a satellite phone? Well……because you can!
On another note,
All DSL subscribers should be cautious and suspicious of GT&T snooping activities. They are packet sniffing their backbone network where all Internet traffic pass through for VOIP and whatever else traffic. So if you are a frequent downloader of torrents watch yaself, or I should say…..hide/protect your self………if you upload copyrighted software they can see and know exactly what movies or TV show you are uploading.
Remember, there is no way to disable uploading when using BIT torrent software!
Information for the Free World!
Forward never….Backward alwayse
In all fairness, I am at GT&T Supporter. I’ve had 3 Cell phones since their arrival in Guyana and all were hooked with GT&T. I am a true patron. However, I think this new move is low and baseless.
It is time that the company awakes and see that “Guyana Technological backwardness” is caused by things like these, a few people who just want to keep services proprietary and stop advancements from taking place. It is no wonder that more of Guyanese who advance in the Technology field are looking to migrate.
We have to realise that Guyana isn’t as rich as we think, there are still poor people and there are many that depend on this types of services to make contact with their friends, families and loved ones.
Come on GT&T, your fan is calling out to you. Liberalise VOIP Market and you will see, you can make more money by doing so rather than milking everyone for your service. All of Guyana is hurt and affected!
I wonder in which way the international VOIP providers will reciprocate. I am sure that they will…stay tuned.
Dear Editor:
I am shocked to learn that GT&T is moving to degrade internet access or signals through the VOIP communication online-channels. This is an anti-development move that will drive users to more expensive cost-per-minute communication services at home and abroad.
The original monopoly telecommunications agreements and those that led to further monopolization of the industry in Guyana should be revisited and de-monopolized. There is a pattern in monopolizing GT&T that restrains competition and the industry’s development through protecting the company’s monopoly rights beyond the original agreement.
All users would experience a lot less with downgraded VOIP signals and perhaps a higher alternative service cost. I remembered the 1996 cost per minute to Guyana from the US at $2.34 per minute under old arrangements. I was shocked then by the high costs and the use of the Guyana-based servers delivering phone sex calls to overseas users. That monopoly revenue was theirs’ to keep offshore. I was shocked when monopoly rights were given for wireless communications at a shareholder’s meeting in June 1996, and now I am equally shocked that the VOIP channel is being degraded by a company policy or by a permissive Government policy designed to push users into their revenue funnel.
The GT&T monopoly should not interfere or extend to low-cost wireless and internet forms of communications that is in the public domain—air wave rights and rights above ground. The protective laws of the state should protect users from deliberate or indirect downgrading of any signal that would stimulate communication, business, education and development. GT&T should be partners in development, realizing that it was capitalized with a shoestring budget offshore by two off-shore entrepreneurs 17 years ago. This transaction occurred with the Connecticut-headquartered parent company, even as there were substantial liquid asset accounts inside GT&T in 1991.
Government should re-regulate wireless and internet technology companies by freeing access and protecting the tools that entrepreneurs and economic developers use.
Yours faithfully,
Ganga Prasad Ramdas
Former Database Manager, AT&T
(Visit Roadmap2020.com, technology soon).
PS: Please visit usaopinionjournal.com. Link and extend your voice. It’s free.
Former Database Manager, AT&T
Amazing! Why would you utilize a title that is no longer current?
Rgds,
Red Lion
RL
You can use the web without any services being blocked. We have been using it for a long time and it works great.
Roadmap2020