Latest update on the Skype offline issue

By Paula Dela Cruz, Christian Post Contributor Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Numerous reports about Skype being offline have started in the early hours of Monday (EST).

Microsoft, owner of Skype, released a statement shortly after the issue was determined. The computer company said that they had "detected an issue with the status settings" on the video and voice call software.

With this issue, users won't be able to determine whether if someone is online or not. Skype users will see themselves "offline," even though they are logged in. Since the status of the users is showing offline, they won't be able to make any kind of calls (video or voice) nor receive any calls. The problem with the service had impacted a lot of users that heavily rely on Skype to communicate around the world.

Skype users around the globe reported the problem, especially in the United Kingdom, United States, Japan, and Australia. Skype has assured its subscribers via Twitter that they are aware of the issue. "We are aware of an issue affecting Skype status at the moment, and are working on a quick fix," they said.

Skype also provided a lengthy statement on its blog. The company said that the issue did not affect Skype for web users, and they can use the web version of Skype to make calls and send instant messages.

Around 12 noon EST, Skype confirmed that it has figured out the problem, and is working on resolving the issue.

Several users of the service had posted their complaints to the company on different social media platforms. One user complained that he cannot contact a family member in Japan because of the issue, while another said that the Skype issue made him miss work since he uses Skype for his translating and tutoring service.

Many users had tried using Google Hangouts as an alternative, but a lot complained that the video call quality is not good, according to BBC's report.

As of 7:53 p.m. EST, Skype confirmed that its services are now back up.