Verizon to Block "Send eMail" SMTP Port 25

I arrived home the other day to find this message on my answering machine:

That’s right folks: Verizon is blocking port 25, the port used for sending email, on its network. I immediately went to their website to find out what I had to do to keep sending email.  Part of the page in question is at the bottom of this post.  It turned out that they wanted me to switch my mail sending port to 587.  No problem.  I did that, only to find that none of my email providers have that port open!  I got in touch with HostMonster support.  (They host Cosmic Things)  They told me to try port 26 because they don’t open port 587 on their network.  It works with all of my email services, but I hope Verizon isn’t planning on blocking Port 26 at the same time as 25,because then I’m in trouble.  How do you feel about Verizon blocking port 25?  Let me knowas a comment below the following excerpt.

Most common email viruses are sent using port 25 to infect computers. Often times the user never knows their computer has been infected. In order to protect our customers, Verizon has turned off the ability to send email using port 25 for all users other than those using a @verizon.net email address.

If you want immediate step-by-step instructions, visit change my port settings to 587 now.

What is outbound port 25 blocking?

Outbound port 25 blocking is a network configuration change that will prevent computers on the Verizon network from connecting to servers outside of our network. Servers outside the Verizon network use a method commonly employed to send unauthenticated, unsolicited e-mail or “spam”.

Why is Verizon blocking outbound port 25?

The majority of spam (unsolicited email) on the Internet is caused by malicious software viruses that take control of infected computers. These viruses direct the infected machines to send email through port 25. Verizon takes spam very seriously. Verizon blocks outgoing connections on port 25 to prevent infected computers from being used by spammers to send unsolicited email. Outbound port 25 blocking is a standard industry method to control spam.

Will outbound port 25 blocking apply to all Verizon broadband customers?

Outbound port 25 blocking will be applied to FIOS and High Speed Internet services that use dynamic IP addresses. If you subscribe to a static IP address service, you will not be affected.

Do I have a dynamic IP address?

If you have standard residential or business FIOS / High Speed Internet service, you have a dynamic IP address. Static IP packages are sold as an upgraded service.

Will I be impacted by port 25 blocking?

If you have a dynamic IP address and you use a third party email account to send email from a desktop client such as Outlook®, Outlook Express® or similar programs, you may be affected and should continue to read this notice. If you are using email provided as part of your VErizon service or a web-based email account from another provider, you will not be affected.

I am using a third party email account that I access using my web browser. Will I be affected?

No. Web-based email services will not be impacted.

I am using a third party email account. I also use a desktop client to manage my email. What must I do to continue using my third party service?

You have three options:

1. Change your email client to send email using port 587. Click step-by-step instructions to change your port settings now.
2. Use web based email services. Web based e-mail is unaffected by port 25 blocking. Check with your e-mail provider to see if web based access is available.
3. Upgrade to a FIOS or High Speed Internet account with static IP addressing. Business customers may subscribe to static IP addressing.