The End of Free Email: Understanding the New Costs

Host Europe recently announced to its customer base that it will begin migrating existing IMAP/POP3 email accounts to Microsoft 365 starting in May. This transition will introduce a charge of approximately one euro per email account per month for those who choose to continue using the service.

For customers who previously benefited from hosting packages that included a large number of free email accounts, this change could represent a considerable increase in their monthly expenses. The impact will depend on the number of email accounts actively in use.

Customer Concerns and Reactions

The declaration has sparked concern among Host Europe customers. Some have voiced their frustration, notably those who rely on multiple email addresses for family members or other personal uses. One reader, as reported by c’t and Heise Online, expressed feeling trapped by the decision, stating, I can’t expect my family to give up or migrate email addresses. The decision that I am put on here is none.

Others have raised concerns about entrusting their email data to a Microsoft service, highlighting potential privacy and security implications. This sentiment reflects a broader trend of users becoming more aware of data sovereignty and control.

Host Europe’s Outlook: An “improvement” in Service

Despite customer concerns, Host Europe frames the migration as an upgrade to their services. according to their announcement, Microsoft 365 offers improved data synchronization across devices and access to expert support. The company also highlights the availability of two-factor authentication for enhanced security.

furthermore, Host Europe suggests that users can upgrade to a full Microsoft 365 package, which includes shared calendars, contacts, and the Microsoft Office suite of applications. This positions the change as an prospect to access a more comprehensive suite of productivity tools.

Migration Timeline and Pricing Details

The migration process is scheduled to commence in early May and will continue over several months. Host Europe has stated that customers will receive detailed information about the migration process at least seven days before their accounts are scheduled to be moved.

While the Microsoft 365 accounts will initially be free until the end of the current monthly or annual contract term, a 30-day grace period will follow before charges are applied. The “Essentials” plan, offering 10 GB of email storage, will cost €0.99 per email account per month. Other options include the “Email Plus” plan with 50 GB of storage for €1.99 per month and the “Online business Essentials” plan, which includes 50 GB of storage and online apps, for €4.99 per account per month.

Which Services are Affected?

the migration impacts a wide range of Host Europe products, including Domain Basic, Webhosting-Onlineshop, Virtual Server Managed, Classic WebServer, and Classic Webhosting packages. Customers can check their customer information system under “customer account and email migration” to determine which of their email accounts are affected.

Exploring Alternatives to avoid Additional Costs

Customers seeking to avoid the new charges have limited options. The first step is to assess whether all existing email accounts are actively used. Unused accounts can be deleted to reduce the number of accounts subject to the new fees.

Another option is to set up email forwarding from existing Host Europe addresses to alternative email providers. However, this approach may also incur additional costs, depending on the chosen provider. Popular free email services include Gmail, Outlook.com, and Yahoo Mail, but users should carefully consider their privacy policies and storage limitations.

For businesses, migrating to a different hosting provider that offers more affordable email solutions might be a viable alternative. Several hosting companies offer competitive email hosting packages, and it’s worth comparing prices and features to find the best fit.