By MICHAEL FOREMAN
New Zealand's largest internet service provider, Xtra, has blocked its customers from accessing their e-mail when using other ISPs, including freenet.
Xtra users will no longer be able to receive their e-mail via Xtra's POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3) server while they are connected to a blocked ISP.
However, they will still be able to access it from Xtra's web-based service at www.xtramail.co.nz regardless of the ISP being used.
The move is believed to be directed at people who arranged "cover" net access with Xtra at the minimum rate, and use free services to check their e-mail to stay within their quota of hours.
An Xtra spokeswoman described the blocking as a "tidying up" of Xtra's e-mail services which was designed to prevent Xtra users from "subsidising" other services.
She believed only a small percentage of users would be affected.
Links:
www.xtramail.co.nz
Xtra sets mail roadblock
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