Q: I hear VoIP is blocked or illegal in some countries? What does it mean? Can I use my VoIP service to call international numbers? Can I take my VoIP service with me when I travel
Source: Flickr via kreg.steppe
A: As a service VoIP has achieved more complete and reliable features, people increasingly have switched from traditional phone service. In countries where the government has a monopoly or a strong control over the national telephone service, this can be a threat to the revenue for the state. Some of these countries have imposed restrictions on VoIP services and the use of VoIP, sometimes even up to using illegal VoIP.
So what does this mean for users
For VoIP users calling the United States:
VoIP should work like any other telephone service to you, regardless of the country you are calling. Once you place your call, it will be routed like any other, regardless of the country you are calling.
For VoIP users living or traveling abroad:
Depending on the country in which you live or are planning to travel, you may have difficulties connection with VoIP. There are some workarounds, including virtual private networks for use of VoIP in the country where the service is blocked, and even in countries where VoIP is illegal, it may be possible to connect with intermittently. There are not a large concrete list of countries that have banned or restricted VoIP, so if you are not sure if your destination will allow VoIP, you might want to check with your VoIP provider to see if they are aware of any potential problems. Users in the following countries reported the use of VoIP restricted (your experience may vary):
| Anguila Antigua and Barbuda Bahrain Barbados British Virgin Islands Belize Brazil Cayman Islands China | Cuba Dominique Granada Guyana India ( VoIP enabled international calls, but not domestic ) Jamaica | Kuwait Montserrat Morocco Myanmar Korea North Oman Pakistan Paraguay Qatar | Saint Lucia Saint Vincent Singapore Saint Kitts and Nevis Syria Trinidad and Tobago Turks and Caicos UAE |
VoIP service restrictions are handled by Internet service providers (ISPs) in each country, and VoIP providers have little control or influence over the way it works. Sometimes VoIP from computer to computer like Skype that works best VoIP service on telephone. If you live or travel in a country with strict rules on VoIP, know that your service may vary according to government rules and enforcement.Got more questions about VoIP? Visit our FAQ, the comparison table, and some previous blog posts.