South Sudan

[lacfadio]

Skype, Four months ago, South Sudan declared itself an independent country, recognized by the UN. They also have a new dialing code ( 211). Four months on, Skype has still not updated its dialing codes -- everytime I try to call a 211 number, Skype tells me that the number is not recognized. Is there a way around this? If not, does anyone know how long it will take Skype to update their dialing codes? Cheers, Joshua

[denewhouse]

There was a suggestion from a skype monitor to use 249211..... because 211 is the city code for  Atbara in Northern Sudan. I wonder about the wisdom of such a suggestion. It also does not work

[lacfadio]

Right. All the South Sudanese mobile phone companies have now changed over to +211 as a Country Code, for a while +249 still worked in the South as well. There is no way that Skype would take this long to update their country codes if South Sudan was in Europe.

[Dryan]

Has anyone had a reply from Skype on this issue? Or have they failed to even acknowledge the question raised? Very poor form from an organisation supposedly worth in excess of $8 billion. 

[lacfadio]

They haven't either acknowledged or replied to my knowledge. I am writing an article on how tech. companies have responded to Africa's newest nation; sadly, Skype is going to be mentioned.

[NormanM Moderator]

TO ALL

I've forwarded this issue to the relevant Skype Dept.

Apogogies for the lack of response. Skype is aware of the change.

[lacfadio]

Thanks Norman -- hopefully this issue will be resolved quickly.

[MDP180]

Norman, three weeks later still "211" does not appear as a country code option.

[bill_lowrey]

this is becoming a huge problem...it is rediculous that Skype can't add a proper country code.  Right now there are some serious conflicts between tribes in South Sudan. Many people have lost their lives. Some of the most important people in helping work for peace are South Sudanese in the Diaspora who are burning up the phone lines to try to dampen conflict and mobilize for peace. But they are having to use expensive phone cards rather than Skype.

Make this URGENT, URGENT, URGENT to get the +211 code working for Skype!!

[lacfadio]

I'm writing an article about Skype's continuing inability to integrate S Sudan's dialing code at the moment. Hopefully it will make them work a little quicker...