Ofcom doesn’t regulate tin nhắn services directly, but we want you lớn be able lớn switch your broadband provider without any hassle.
When you switch broadband provider, you might need lớn pay if you want lớn continue using the tin nhắn address your old provider gave you.
Some companies charge you lớn keep your tin nhắn address
If you switch lớn another company for your mạng internet service, but want lớn keep using the tin nhắn address you were given by your old provider, they will still be providing you with a service. Some companies charge for this.
Different broadband providers have different policies about what happens lớn your tin nhắn address when you switch away from them. Here’s what happens with some of the major providers:
| BT | Plusnet | Sky | TalkTalk | Virgin Media | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Will you still be able lớn access your email? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes but from early 2024, you will be charged lớn continue using your address | No, your tin nhắn tài khoản will be deleted after 90 days |
| Is it không tính phí lớn access your email? | Yes, a basic web-based version is available | Yes | Yes | Yes, if you have accessed it at least once in the last 180 days. From early 2024, you will be charged lớn continue using your address | N/A |
| Do you need lớn pay lớn keep all of the same tin nhắn features? | BT Premium tin nhắn service is available for £7.50 a month | No, you get all the same features for free | No, you get all the same features for không tính phí | TalkTalk Mail Plus is available for £5 per month/£50 per year. From early 2024, you will be charged lớn continue using your address | N/A |
Customers might not be aware of these differences, or the options available lớn them when they cancel their contract. It’s important these options are clearly explained in the information people receive about ending their contract.
Consider setting up a không tính phí webmail account
You might be put off switching because you don't want lớn lose the tin nhắn address you have with your current provider.
But there are many alternative không tính phí tin nhắn services available, often quick and easy lớn phối up, which can help you transfer information from your existing tin nhắn tài khoản – such as your contacts and the messages you already have. You can also phối up these accounts on the ‘Mail’ phầm mềm on your điện thoại thông minh or tablet, ví you can easily access your emails without having lớn log in via an mạng internet browser.
This means your tin nhắn address doesn’t have lớn tie you down lớn your broadband provider. In fact, if your inbox is full of unwanted marketing mail, changing your tin nhắn address is a great opportunity lớn start from scratch and make sure you only get the emails you want.
Top tips lớn help you change tin nhắn address if you switch mạng internet provider
- Get a new tin nhắn address for free. Rather kêu ca paying your previous provider, or setting up a new tin nhắn address each time you change provider, switch lớn a không tính phí tin nhắn tài khoản lượt thích Gmail, Outlook or Yahoo.
- Import your tin nhắn and contacts. Many tin nhắn services have tools lớn help you transfer your contacts and messages. There are online guides that can help you lớn vì thế this in minutes.
- Update your tin nhắn on your online accounts, starting with the most important accounts first, lượt thích online banking and any subscription services. Also let your contacts know that you have a new tin nhắn address.
- Do some housekeeping – unsubscribe! This is a great time lớn update your tin nhắn with only the marketing companies you want lớn hear from.
- Set up forwarding and automatic reply. Forward your emails lớn your new tài khoản and let everyone know you've changed your address.