[tor-talk] Private Internet Access VPN drops Tor connection randomly

[Mirimir]

On 01/25/2016 04:52 PM, goblackhole wrote:
> Summary:
> PIA VPN connection is stable; I can visit any servers using PIA.
> However, Tor can't make a connection/or if connected, connection
> is NOT stable. I believe PIA is starting dropping Tor connection.
> I already tried obfs3/obfs4, but both failed with
> "connections died in state handshaking (TLS) with SSL state
> unknown state".

I'm not surprised. PIA is a budget VPN service. They have many servers
in many places, but they hugely oversell them. Maybe you'll have better
luck with another server that's not as busy. You will certainly have
better luck with one of the higher end VPN services. Check out the
latest TorrentFreak review.

> Here's my chat log with PIA guy.
> 
> User
> - From about 3 months ago, your VPN start dropping Tor connection.
> I can connect to any server with PIA VPN, but not when VPN--->Tor.
> Why did you start dropping Tor connection?
> 
> Live Support
> An agent will be with you shortly.
> After your live chat session, you will have the option to rate your
> experience.
> If you would like, there are answers to common questions available at
> https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/contact-us
> 
> Steve M
> Hello User, my name is Steve M. I'll be happy to assist you today.
> TOR functions similarly to a VPN which can cause connectivity issues
> 
> User
> I was able to use Tor with VPN with no problem 3 months ago.
> Many people use Tor over VPN.
> But for now, I can't connect to Tor even when I use Tor Bridge.
> I believe PIA is dropping Tor because I can connect to any site only VPN.
> Tried for 120 seconds to get a connection to [scrubbed]:80. Giving up
> <--- from tor log
> 
> Steve M
> I will need you to submit a support ticket, so we can investigate this
> issue further.
> To do so, please go to
> https://support.privateinternetaccess.com/index.php?/Tickets/Submit,
> or email helpdesk at privateinternetaccess.com, and one of our support
> specialists will get back to you as soon as possible.
> In order to ensure the support you receive is carried out in an
> efficient manner, please save the transcript for this chat,
> and include it in your support request.
> To email a transcript to yourself, click the gear icon on the top
> right, and click the envelope (email) option to send the transcript.
> This will provide the Ticket Specialists with context for your issue
> and help avoid unnecessary duplication of support steps.
> 
> User
> Okay I'll do it, but many people on PIA forums says you guys will just
> ignore support ticket.
> 
> Steve M
> We do not
> 
> User
> I hope you guys take seriously on this issue.
> I will also send this log to Tor team.
> Ok, thanks for your support, I'll send a ticket to you later.
> 
> So I sent an email to PIA with subject "PIA VPN drop Tor connection
> randomly".
>