It may be time to look for a new email address. This is because new research suggests that broadband users may be discouraged from switching to a competing provider because of the premium some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) charge for continued access to existing email accounts. BT and TalkTalk require users to pay a fairly high fee for leaving these broadband services, but still want the same features when they go into their old inbox.
Anyone who drops BT for a competing ISP will be charged £ 7.50 per month for their premium email service, while TalkTalk will charge £ 5 per month for their Mail Plus option.
It’s worth noting that BT has an unlimited free option, but this is just a basic web-based service. TalkTalk does something similar, although this free account is only available for two years after you cancel your broadband. Then you have to cough up that £ 5 a month.
Telecom Authority Ofcom recently expressed feelings about the problem of billing users for their old email addresses with BT and TalkTalk in order to make it clearer to customers that they will be charged for switching providers.
While this is a step in the right direction, it doesn’t change the fact that some broadband customers may just stick with their current provider so they don’t have to pay to check their inboxes and send family emails.
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According to a study by Ofcom, the main factor of around one percent of people who considered switching but didn’t want to lose the email address they had with their current provider was not wanting to.
Cheaper with so many. Broadband Deals On The Market This could cost consumers a significant amount of money, and now is a good time to take the plunge to a free provider like Gmail or Outlook so that you don’t feel so tied to your ISP.
Ofcom says there are many alternative free email services available, often quick and easy to set up, that can help you move information from your existing email account – such as your contacts and the messages you already have to have.
You can also set up these accounts through the ‘Mail’ app on your smartphone or tablet so that you can easily access your email without having to log in using an internet browser. This is not possible with the free options of BT and TalkTalk.
Not all ISPs calculate an email address as soon as a customer leaves with Sky and Plusnet. Both allow the free option forever. Unfortunately, Virgin Media users will have their email account deleted after 90 days after leaving the company. So it really pays to double-check what your ISP includes when you sign up.
In a statement sent to Express.co.uk, a BT spokesperson said: “BT Broadband customers receive free email service as part of their package. If you switch broadband providers, you can still use the BT email service for free via a web browser. This version includes unlimited storage, online virus protection and a UK-based help desk.
“We also offer customers a premium service for £ 7.50 per month when they switch providers, which includes multiple inboxes and access through email apps.”
If you think it’s time to change your email address, Ofcom has some key tips on their website.
