Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own.

Telcos including TPG ditch email, but do you even need them now?

Posted:
News
EmailAddress_Supplied_1800x1000

It might be time to futureproof your email address and avoid a similar scenario.

TPG Telecom is abandoning email services to internet customers who've furiously put up their case to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman.

Users who want to keep their TPG address will need to opt-in to a new email service operated by a business called The Messaging Company by mid-September.

If you transfer after that and before 30 November 2023, you'll need to pay for the service.

This applies to other internet providers that fall under the TPG umbrella including iiNet, Internode and Westnet.

Is it time to switch email to the likes of Google or Microsoft?

In this day and age, there's 2 reasons why you shouldn't sign up to an internet provider just to access their email service.

  1. You won't be able to easily switch to a different internet plan with another provider to save money. A rule of thumb is to compare internet plans every 6 to 12 months and take advantage of the myriad of sign up deals available.
  2. It's likely that providers will eventually stop offering email services altogether and you'll be stuck in a similar situation down the road.

"Linking your email to your internet service provider just isn't a good strategy in 2023," Finder's editor-at-large and tech expert Angus Kidman says.

"For most people, one of the obvious free alternatives from Google, Microsoft or Apple will be just fine.

"You can register your own domain and set up your own email, but that's pricier and fiddlier."

If your email address is being thrown out the window such as with TPG, it's better to future proof your new one by going with a free email address from the likes of Gmail or Outlook.

  • You can still save a backup of your emails under your internet provider's account to your computer or a data storage device.
  • You will not be able to send or receive mail after your email address from your provider is deactivated, but you can use email software such as Outlook or Mac Mail to open the saved files for existing emails.

If you're still not convinced and think you'd prefer signing up with an internet provider for a free email address then let's take a look at your options.

Which internet providers give you a free email address?

For the providers in Finder's database there are very few that supply an email address, and in most cases you only get one.

Exetel is the most generous with email addresses offering 20, while other providers that give you multiple addresses include Spintel with 10 and Aussie Broadband with 5.

Here's a look at your options from some of the popular brands in Australia that still provide email addresses.

Provider
Email addresses
Learn more
Activ8me
1
Sign up here
Ant Communications
1
Read review
Aussie Broadband
5
Read review
Escapenet
1
Read review
Exetel
20
Read review
iPrimus
1
Sign up here
Optus
1
Sign up here
Spintel
10
Read review
Telstra
1
Read review

Once you've figured out what you want to do with your email address, you can compare internet plans to find which one is right for you.

Image: @NicoElNino via Canva.com

Ask a question

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms Of Service and Finder Group Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

One Response

    Default Gravatar
    VickiSeptember 2, 2024

    Have been trying to transfer my email address to the messaging co for about 6 weeks. I have set up an account with them but forgot my password. Been trying for weeks to get a new password to no avail. AI is the only way to communicate with the company is their answer after I asked to talk to a human. This company has been without a doubt the most difficult to deal with in all the years I have been using the emai. Cheers Vick

Go to site