Ichat fails to connect to other user

I use ichat often to converse with family overseas, as well as technical help to family with computer issues by taking control of their computer via the ichat feature.

Over the last 2 weeks it seems I am unable to connect to 2 different people, in different areas via ichat at all. Iit comes back with an error of "failed to connect", or the "person declined the invitation", which is inaccurate. If I try the same task on my own network, it works just fine, but not over the internet.

I have Apple Airport extreme as far as router, and so do both parties I mentioned above I tried to connect with.

I have never had an issue in the past, this seems to be something new.

Anyone by chance have a fix for this? We are all on the latest OS etc.

Cheers,