International Travel Blues

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kevsahl

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#1732 18-Jun-2004 06:34

Hello,

I find this forum wonderful and has helped me with my iPAQ and V600 Bluetooth problems and learning curves and I've tried to share my successes with others. I just completed the most frustrating International trip ever. I used GPRS via my Cingular V600 and also my WiFi connection attached to my Alltel Broadband e-mail service, and could NEVER send one message. I could receive, but not send. Can someone please explain this to me. I'm not an expert, but I'm no dummy ( at least I didn't think I was until this trip) and really need some help. I was considering consolidating into a Smart (PC based) Phone and use the GPRS abroad to get mail, but now I'm gunshy. I know it's a simple setpoint, switch, etc... and would appreciate anyone's advice to try.

Thanks,

Kevin

freitasm

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#6662 18-Jun-2004 07:56

When sending an e-mail you need access to a SMTP server. Because some of these SMTP servers are misconfigured spammers use then to relay those e-mails selling whatever they sell. Most network these days are restricting access to these servers to users on their network only.

When you connect using GPRS you're atually using the operator's network, not your cable or DSL network, and the SMTP server is "invisible".

I know there's a paid service called SMTP.com that will provide the SMTP service for people that need this kind of access. It's worth checking if it's something you need to use frequently.

Ben

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#6677 18-Jun-2004 17:10

Mauricio sounds bang-on to me. It's also a hassle when you shuttle a laptop between home and work. At work I have to change my settings to use the local exchange server's smtp interface.

Fastmail.fm also have a paid smtp server option for all but their free accounts.

Ben.

kevsahl

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#6690 18-Jun-2004 23:12

Thank you Mauricio. As usual you have an answer. Great forum and great information.

Regards,

Kevin

freitasm

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#6691 18-Jun-2004 23:13

Thanks to Ben too... And no, we don't always have answers - but everyone tries.

abellamy

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#8886 25-Sep-2004 21:59

Had the same problem myself - so just to add another service which I found and works perfectly.

Try AuthSMTP - authenticated SMTP mail relay service - uses authenticated SMTP, works on multiple SMTP ports and very cheap (about US$2 per month from memory!).

Hope that helps!

johnr

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#8895 26-Sep-2004 09:11

Vodafone NZ provides a free smtp service as long as you are a customer on there network, Sorry not much use for you

abellamy

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#8896 26-Sep-2004 09:38

Yes - many ISP's provide SMTP for their own customers - the problem comes when you use multiple ISP's (i.e. when you travel).

For that AuthSMTP is a great solution! Just wish I had found it sooner rather than having to change settings all the time!

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johnr

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#8898 26-Sep-2004 10:03

Vodafone NZ is not a ISP as such, You can use your log in details for out going smtp authication. So it does not matter which network you conect too

freitasm

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#8900 26-Sep-2004 10:14

johnr, it does matter. Some ISP and providers block access to their SMTP servers when connecting from other networks, and this includes Vodafone. This is to prevent spammers using their servers.

Also, if you're in the United States for example, you're roaming on AT&T Wireless. How can you send an e-mail over GPRS, since you don't know their SMTP server address, and Vodafone's smtp.vodafone.net.nz does not allow access from other networks?

It's in this case that an external SMTP provider is handy for travellers.

johnr

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#8901 26-Sep-2004 10:32

freitasm vodafone NZ does not block access to its SMTP servers, As long as you are a vodafone NZ customer and registered on there website and have setup a POP password you can use there SMTP servers on any network for sending Email. You just use out going stmp authentication and put in your details, eg johnr (At) vodafone.net.nz and my POP/IMAP password Give it a go and you will see it works !!. At home we use jet stream and all our out going mail goes through voda SMTP servers.

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#8902 26-Sep-2004 10:35

I know johnr... But the thread started on a request from a user on Cingular - the world does not revolve around Vodafone, you know?

johnr

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#8903 26-Sep-2004 10:40

Thats why I put in my first thread, "Sorry not much use for you" and I know people in NZ would read this and then they may find this information handy, sorry for advising

johnr

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#8904 26-Sep-2004 10:45

The customer on cingular should not have to change his out going smtp server anyway when roaming, Thats the purpose of GPRS roaming no settings have to be changed and it works like in your home country.

abellamy

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#8910 26-Sep-2004 20:11

The problem is that using an ISP's 'free' authenticated SMTP service - they 'may' disallow access from people not using their network in the future.

Anyway perhaps we should just leave it as this:

1. If you travel / use multiple providers / ISP's you are best to use an authenticated SMTP mail relay service.

2. Your current ISP's may provide authenticated SMTP and allow access from other networks - but if not you would be best to use a public SMTP relay service like AuthSMTP which would work from any ISP.