From address doesn't meet the authentication requirements defined for the sender

[#1]

that was the case until a year or so ago,

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I've been left longer than that, and have always been able to use the PN mail servers?

[#2]

John,

Depends on timing.

There were various phases of continued access to email after changing broadband suppliers.

• paid for retained access provided access to the SMTP servers
• unpaid for retained access allowed emails to be read but not sent via Plusnet’s servers
• the previous attempt to implement SPF conjoined with the implementation of the new billing system made all retained email FoC and facilitated access to PN’s SMTP servers

Microsoft’s imposed measures dictated the SPF be applied and now outbound mail may only be sent via relay.plus.net

The pivotal change point was the implementation of the new billing system which was over a year ago … and at a time when departing customers still had the option to retain email services.

[#3]

Fair enough, @Townman  - I authenticated many years ago, when I started spending weeks away from home, as I didn't/don't like webmail. Sorry if I'm confusing issues. 😉

[#4]

Sounds like there was a possibility of 'loopholes' for spammers? And hence the 'draconian measures'?

[#5]

Nah - SPF or DKIM is more than adequate.  SPF and DKIM is over kill.

[#6]

Has there been a further update from Plusnet on this problem please?

I am still experiencing bounce backs.

[#7]

@ebforum Check this topic - it details the current situation.

[#8]

John, I've gone back over a week and can't find anything like an official update, something I would expect for such a serious problem. Please advise which post provided this.

[#9]

@ebforum As this is a complex issue needing high-level intervention, and we know PN  are aware of it and are investigating, I would assume - as happens in all IT related issues - that when any developments of significance occur, they will be communicated. 

[#10]

As a retired IT manager, I know how important it is to keep user communities up to speed with how a problem is being dealt with and when possible the target for resolution on a regular basis. Most users will go along with the time to investigate and achieve resolution if they are kept informed.

We need an official update by Plusnet sooner than later given the disruption being caused to the e-mail service.

[#11]

I've just phoned the Plusnet helpline.  I'm afraid it looks like bad news in the short term.

Apparently Plusnet are not devoting any effort to solving the problem as it will be resolved when the ongoing migration to the more 'modern' Greenby system is complete.  This is scheduled for the 'end of September'.  Plusnet do not have the staff and are not prepared to expend the cost and effort required to update their 'old' system for the interim period of a few months.

The only recommended solution was to use a different email address until then!  Personally I think this is an appalling way to treat their customers.

I quote Plusnet's subsequent emailed response to my Question: 

as per our conversation, I can confirm that unfortunately the outlook issue will not be resolved due to our ongoing email migration to greenby

Plusnet should at least put an information bulletin on the website informing users of the situation.

[#12]

That's very poor and shows a disregard to their customers who are experiencing significant e-mail issues. It's not surprising that they have chosen to keep us in the dark when we will have to wait until "end of September".

As an interim measure, could they not appeal to Microsoft to implement a temporary exception for e-mails originating from the Plusnet e-mail service until the migration to Greenby?

Very poor customer care!

[#13]

@Silver-Codger This topic is about the Gmail issue, which although it may be related, is separate. AIUI, the Outlook issue is also under investigation -but I MAY be wrong.

@Townman ?

[#14]

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@jab1 wrote:

@Silver-Codger This topic is about the Gmail issue...

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As the Original Poster I must correct you, this topic ("From address doesn't meet the authentication requirements defined for the sender") is about the failure of emails sent from PN accounts to MS (@live, @outlook, @hotmail) accounts.

The topic about emails to gmail accounts not being delivered / greylisted is this one:

https://community.plus.net/t5/Email/Problems-sending-PN-email-to-Gmail-addresses/td-p/2012122

[#15]

@stuck My sincere apologies - so this issue IS under investigation, is it not? Sorry, I'm not trawling through 14 pages. 😄