Yes, I do live in Durham, which is a poor data network. I can talk just fine, and it only drops calls occasionally. In the US we can use skype over the network without any issues, just to compare the quality of the data networks.
Anyways, that isn't why I was posting. haha.
I do live on campus at Durham University, so maybe you are on to something about the firewall here at school. Im guessing you are right there, so I will see if I cant find a personal wifi connection of a friend just to try.
Thanks to all for posting!!