I bet it has something to do with customs. I have Skype and contacted Steve that way once. Occasionally I get a little window from Skype saying Steve is online. I have no reason to contact him at the moment because I know supplies have to loosen up first. But I assume he's tearing his hair out trying to make this thing work.
Caveat. Just because it says "Steve is online" doesn't necessarily mean it's him at the computer.
Also, wasn't there some comment of him being in China.
Oh, well, hopefully the mystery will soon be solved.
Paul