A software bug has affected Skype Ltd.'s peer-to-peer network, preventing users in some parts of the world from logging on to its widely used VOIP (voice over Internet Protocol) service.
The company, a division of eBay Inc., initially referred to the incident as a peer-to-peer network issue but has since determined that it's a software issue, according to a company blog.
The blog, updated at 14:02 GMT, said the company expects to have the problems resolved within 12 to 24 hours. It advises users to leave their Skype client running so they can be logged back in once the issues are dealt with. The blog also said that downloads of Skype have been temporarily disabled and that the company hopes to make them available again as quickly as possible.
The problem appears to be affecting users particularly in Europe, according to blog postings.
Users in the U.S. don't seem to be having problems.
Skype officials were not immediately available for comment.
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