Conflicting Info on Skype
 

I am seeing conflicting info on using Skype with German sims. Some say it is blocked and others say some providers allow this. Are there any companies whose sims allows Skype to be used and for that matter, iMessage and FaceTime also?

As you might know, cellular operators don't like VoIP providers like Skype so much, as they see their earnings twindle. Officially they claim that their networks will be overloaded but this is rubbish, as VoIP doesn't consume so much bandwidth. In this country, you can still earn a lot with overseas calls from mobiles.

Here is the situation in Germany right now; You have to distinguish between actually blocking the ports, not allowing it in their T&Cs and accepting it anyway.

Telekom (and its MVNOs): hates Skype and actively blocks it, except on a few tariffs open for VoIP and a surcharge
Vodafone (and its MVNOs): dislikes Skype and bans it in their T&Cs of most tariffs, but with no consequences
Telefónica (O2 and E-Plus and its MVNOs): allows VoIP right now. Some of its MVNOs may also ban it in their T&Cs like e.g. Simyo, but with no consequences.

So you have to choose between doing what is forbidden or what you are not supposed to do. But stay away from Mother Telekom with VoIP. The same mother who runs T-Mobile US allowing Skype in your country. So you better misbehave :-)

For the records: there are no known cases of legal actions against subscribers violating VoIP-prohibtions and the only conceivable legal consequences would be an immediate termination of the contract (i.e. deactiviation of your SIM card). So don't worry, avoid Telekom and just use Skype!

Skype
 

I tried to use Skype and VoIP on T-Mobile
:chair:
When you make call after half second you almost can't hear anything it feels like you don't have enough speed but everything else works well.

So telecom - blocks hard VoIP Skype
Vodafone - officially doesn't allow but it works there
O2 - officially allows
Eplus - officially blocks but it works well

For VoIP use eplus or O2 or their mvno Blau, fonic etc.

Alex

Ohh yep, avoid this at all costs :( Just eats up the money!