TMNet Disables Port 25 to Block Email Spam

Updated: January 14, 2008
Besides using port 25 or 26, TMNet now is configuring port 587. Details are at the end of the post.

*munches potato chips* You may or may not be aware of this. But TMNet Malaysia just officially announced they’re now blocking port 25 for sending emails to block email spam. If you’re wondering what’s the big deal, why other bloggers are cursing, or why it’s anything unlike TMNet is losing customers or money.

Well, if you’re a blogger with your own domain name and are (most likely) using TMNet Streamyx as your Malaysia Internet Service Provider (ISP) then you’re going to have problems sending out email using your personal address like [email protected]. Relatively, all emails sent via the Internet is routed through Port 25.

Not to worry as there are 4 ways to overcome this port 25 blocking ordeal.

The 4 different ways to solve your outgoing email problems from port 25 are:

Solution #1: Use TMNet (Malaysia) Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)
I apologize for the jargon but don’t worry because even if I can’t explain it here, you’ll have a visual guide provided courtesy of TMNet later. Okie, because I’m using Microsoft Outlook here’s my guide for configuring to use the TMNet (Malaysia) Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP).

1. Launch Microsoft Outlook – duoh
2. Click on Tools – top bar
3. Expand the menu – click the arrow pointing down (if yours isn’t the full menu)
4. Click Account Settings
5. Select the Email Account and click Change – beside New and Repair.
6. Look under Server Information for Outgoing mail server (SMTP)
7. Enter one of the below:
   • smtp.streamyx.com
   • smtp.tm.net.my
   • smtp-proxy.tm.net.my
8. Then, click the More Setting button – bottom right
9. Click the Outgoing Server tab.
10. Uncheck ‘My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication (if checked).
11. Click OK – window closes automatically
12. Click Next.
13. Click Finish.

Ta-da! And you’re done. Like I said earlier, if you’re having problem following the steps above not to worry because TMNet has a visual guide for you. The guide shows you how to configure for Outlook Express, Microsoft Outlook (2003 and 2000), Mozilla Thunderbird, Eudora and Mac OS Mail.

Solution #2: Use Port 26 instead. ;)
This solution can only be implemented if your website hosting provider has configured your server appropriately. Therefore, please contact your technical support before proceeding further with this solution. Email to ask them if you can use the outgoing server port 26.

1. Follow steps 1-5 above.
2. Click the More Settings button – bottom right
3. Click the Advanced tab.
4. Find Outgoing server (SMTP) – should be 25 now
5. Change 25 to 26.
6. Click OK – window will automatically close
7. Click Next then Finish.

And you’re done configuring your email software like a pro. :) But remember, do not touch this unless you know your website hosting provider supports this. Otherwise, you’ll still not be able to send out emails.

Solution #3: Take advantage of Gmail’s humongous space for emails
Gmail has a feature for you to receive and even send your emails using Gmail. It’s called Forwading and POP/IMAP. This option is found in your Gmail under Settings then a tab called; Forwarding and POP/IMAP.

I won’t be able to tell you more about setting up your email using this feature because I, myself am not running this. However, my business partner; Hawk, is now using Gmail to send out all Simpleet emails so he’s not affected by the port 25. Bugger…

Solution #4: Lose TMNet and register with another Internet Service Provider (ISP)
I would only recommend doing this as a last and final resort to all solution above. As you may have guessed, this is terminating your TMNet Streamyx internet account and registering a new account with some other provider. Who knows, you might even get healthier connection speeds with a new hosting provider in your area. :P

At the end of the day, it seems blocking port 25 is slowly becoming an industry standard to curb or lessen email spam. Other major ISPs blocking port 25 are AT&T, MSN, EarthLink, Verizon and etc.

However, I read online by blocking port 25 some legitimate e-mail considered may be considered spam too. Nonetheless, I’ll keep an open mind about it and I hope this is something TMNet is doing right. We have too many Malaysia businesses abusing email communication and the Malaysia MCMC isn’t doing anything to enforce the CAN-SPAM act law.

What is to become of email marketing here in Malaysia?

Updated: January 14, 2008
If you want to configure your email client for port 587, you may need to refer to your administrator or hosting service provider to support and turn on port 587 for your email server.

[tags]TMNet, Malaysia, email spam, block email spam[/tags]