vB Easy Archive - GD87 POP3 email woes

Pages: 1

GD87 POP3 email woes - help needed
(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Posted by: Dutch

I have now spent countless hours over the two weeks that I've had this phone, trying to get the POP3 mail facility configured.

My operator is Vodafone in the Netherlands; I have a Vodafone Live! prepaid subscription (i.e. pay-as-you-go) and am rapidly coming to the conclusion that Vodafone in the Netherlands has deliberately blocked "external" POP3 access in order to force customers through their own primitive (and costly) email facility within Live! itself. The reason I can't quite believe that (and the reason I keep trying) is that Vodafone customers in several other countries HAVE apparently got it working.

The problem with the Live! mail is - well, were do I begin? No attachments are possible; the GD87's phone-book can not be used (Live! uses a contacts book held online - and every single contact/email address you put in there has to be populated via an online transaction... etc. So obviously I want to use the POP3 facility and send mail via my existing ISP (the GD87 is designed to do this after all, and indeed it's one of the reasons I purchased the phone in the first place...).

However, every combination o settings (SMTP, POP3, GPRS/CSD, etc.) that I have tried has failed. I get "connection failure" every time. Vodafone themselves have been utterly unhelpful. I mailed them repeatedly with a number of questions - and when they finally did respond after 2 weeks and three reminders, they dutifully answered all questions except the POP3 one. That they simply ignored. The Vodafone website makes no mention of it either, and nor does the Vodafone-version of the user-guide that is shipped with the GD87 here. They obviously do not want their customers using POP3 mail even if it is actually possible to do so.

So who else can help?

Is there anyone here from NL who uses Vodafone Live! on a GD87 and HAS got POP3 mail working?

Is there any kind of tutorial/FAQ available online which talks you through the configuration? EG: should IP addresses be specified as SMTP/POP3 servers, or the domain names? Should the SMTP server be one from Vodafone, or one from the mail client you are trying to reach? Are GPRS AccessPointNames, userID and Password unique to Vodafone, are they different in each country that vodafone operates, etc etc.

Without clear instructions, and in the absence of a statement from Vodafone here on whether it is even allowed at all, I could spend forever trying in vain!

Any and all help gratefully received.

Dutch

Posted by: lost_rebel

Have you tried to use the CSD option and dialup your email like a regular computer. Vodafone could not stop this and it will get the email settings correct, then you can switch to GPRS and see if the system is blocking. Also you can try the direct IP address for your mail server. If you do not already know how to get this, open a command prompt and type "ping (mail server)" in my case I type "ping mail.earthlink.net", I get the IP address in the results. I put this into the mobile and then I do not need to populate the DNS field. It is possible that the DNS that they are using does not contain your POP address.

Posted by: Dutch

Yes, I have tried the CSD option, dialling the specific mobile-access number for my mail service, but this happens:
- if I dial it directly (i.e. as if it were a voice call) then I hear the modem handshake at the other end kicking in, so I know I've got the right number
- If I dial it implicitly by trying to send an email using the Circuit Switch method, then it fails to connect.

I thought this might simply be a handshake problem, but I've double-checked all the data (server names/IP, userid & password, etc.) and it's all correct.

I've also tried using the IP addresses rather than server domain names, but with the same result.

I'm stumped (and very frustrated).

One thing which niggles me - the handbook states that the SIM card needs to be enabled for data calls. I have not taken any explicit step to do that, since I assumed it already was (I can already send MMS's via the phone). But might this be the problem? Do I have to have data calls enabled by Vodafone?

Dutch

Posted by: lost_rebel

honestly, I do not know. I had CSD working before I had GPRS working. I had to activate a "special" data plan before I could do email over GPRS although my WAP and MMS worked at the time. I would not think that data provisioning would have anything to do with this but you could call Vodafone and ask. I do not know of any way to troubleshoot this with you. Maybe you could buy a prepaid card from another network??

Maybe someone who has vodafone service but has their own email working would care to chime in?

Posted by: Dutch

prepaid card from another network is not feasible as the phone (in keeping with the norm in this part of the world) is locked for Vodafone only.

Could you perhaps humour me and please post or PM or mail me your exact settings (obviously dummy-out your mail account-name/password). It might give me a clue.

Dutch

Posted by: lost_rebel

Earthlink Settings through T-mobile GPRS
Profile Name: T-Mobile EL GPRS (I realize that this has no effect but this is what I have)
Mail Address:Myemail@earthlink.net
SMTP: 207.217.120.219
Pop3: 207.217.120.219
User ID:myemail
PW:my password
Mail Delivery:Leave Message
Primary DNS: 207.217.077.082
Secondary DNS: Blank
Bearer Type: GPRS
AccessPointName: internet3.voicestream.com (I had to get a special APN for non wap browsing)
User ID: Blank
User Password:Blank
Authentication: None

Thats it.

Posted by: Dutch

This evening I tried a little experiment.

I placed into the GD87 the SIM card from a different Vodafone subscriber (not a Live! subscription).
To my astonishment, the POP3 mail facility worked immediately via Circuit-Switching.

I put back the Live SIM, and it no longer worked. Immediately the call is initiated, and the "call divert" message flashes up, it is followed by a "number unreachable" message instead of the login to the server.

This proved that it is the Live! subscription service specifically which is preventing access to POP3. Unfortunately, I must stay with Live! in order to retain MMS functionality (and can't chose another MMS provider as the phone is locked for Vodafone only).

I rang the Service Desk at Vodafone-NL, and after an initial run-around, they confirmed categorically that indeed Live! "does not support POP3" and that the only possibility is to use the mail client built into Live! itelf. They have no plans to change this, and would not tell me exactly why they do it nor how it is achieved. And the helpdesk would not allow me to talk directly to the technical staff who were being repeatedly consulted in the background.
I pointed out that it can not be due to some fundamental technical issue, since Vodafone Live! reportedly manages to sit quite happily alongside POP3 access in other countries (such as UK). Of course they couldn't (or wouldn't) comment on that.

So this confirms my suspicions. Vodafone-NL is forcing subscribers to use only their own mail system by preventing any access (either by GPRS or CSD) to POP3 mail.

I personally think this is a highly unscrupulous policy, and would also be surprised if Panasonic is happy with it since it is rendering useless the whole POP3 feature of the GD87, colouring users' perceptions of what the phone can really do.

I urge everyone else in the same situation to lodge a formal complaint with Vodafone-NL.

Dutch

Posted by: lost_rebel

Tell them that you need terminal access for using your mobile as a modem to dial into your work. If you can get the CSD working, then you should be able to access your email that way. Just a thought.

Posted by: Dutch

They already gave me some half-garbled story about it being possible to change the GPRS APN when connected to a PC but not from the mobile itself. So that when used in tandem with a PC the limitation can be circumvented.
However, I don't want that. I want the damned thing to work as designed on the stand-alone mobile, like it does for everyone else outside the Netherlands.

I mentioned to them that I'd read others referring to a 'data plan' and having to "activate" the SIM for data transactions. The guy on helpdesk didn't have a clue what I was talkng about, and even after I finally persuaded him to go ask his technical colleagues in the background, he just came back withthe same line "Live! does not support POP3".

Dutch

Posted by: lost_rebel

I use a different APN for email, yes it is the same APN that I put into the software that runs on the PC for doing internet shtuff. It is set up in the email section so it is not a problem with changing the WAP settings. I do pay extra for access to that APN though. But I clock about 12-20 MB per month and my plan only covers 10.
Did you ask about accessing you internet provider or another computer using CSD? I am puzzled about that even more.

Posted by: Dutch

Yes, that (the inability to access POP3 mail through whatever means) is the whole frustrating thrust of this.

Part of the difficulty I have had over the past weeks while seeking help on various forums is that I have found no other Dutch users of the GD87 with Live! who have also wanted POP3 mail access. And non-Dutch members misunderstand the problem as they simply can not believe that it is blocked. In other countries, Vodafone is not blocking it.

Biut I can not access POP3 either throuhh CSD or through GPRS while using the Live! SIM. And Vodafone-NL have now confirmed this as policy. No combination of settings or configuration will solve it. Vodafone-NL will have to change their policy.

Dutch

Posted by: lost_rebel

I guess it sucks to be you. Sorry dude

Posted by: Dutch

It's not all bad. I'm married to a wonderful computer and we have two beautiful keyboards.

By the way, thanks for all your suggestions. I really appreciate the help even though it turns out the problem is actually unsolvable.

Dutch

Posted by: Dutch

Re. above discussion and also that at
http://www.whatmobile.net/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=5446

I have now received the following written confirmation from Vodafone-NL -
"Helaas kunnen wij u niet de configuratie doen toekomen voor POP3 e-mail zoals u graag wenst te ontvangen. U **** met uw Panasonic GD87 alleen via Vodafone live e-mail versturen en ontvangen."

Translation:

"Unfortunately we cannot supply you with the configuration for the POP3 email that you wish to receive. With the Panasonic GD87 you can only send & receive email via Vodafone Live email"

I'm pretty sure this means they are operating a different policy in the Netherlands than elsewhere.

Please would non-Dutch users of the GD87 and Vodafone Live! confirm here that they can use POP3 mail as well as Live! mail on the GD87.

I'm also interested to know of any other providers (non-Vodafone) that offer MMS AND POP3 mail access on the GD87.

This will give me a basis on which to challenge Vodafone's policy.

Thanks
Dutch

Posted by: lost_rebel

T-mobile USA allows me to use other POP mail servers

Posted by: HoLlanD dOg

Quote:

Originally posted by lost_rebel
T-mobile USA allows me to use other POP mail servers

lost_rebel,
are you able to send emails with your earthlink account via t-mobile gprs?
I can only receive emails but can't send.
I have the internet 2mb plan. I can access the internet2.voicestream.com APN only..no luck for me with internet3..

no idea why CSD also doesn't work for me to send emails.

I tried my own settings and your settings..both don't work for me

Posted by: Chrome

Hi Dutch,

It seems your situation can't be helped, and I'm sorry to hear that

When I received my GD87, I was kind of scared to see a small, Vodafone LIVE! box with my phone. All the others I have seen came in a white or grey box.

However, the phone is unlocked and I'm using it on Fido here in Canada. I've been able to get the POP3 email working, although that seems to be an interesting term cause its very erratic.

It doesn't seem to download anything unless there's 3 messages (maybe it doesn't like an html signature, but I still have to verify this)

Maybe its my POP3 account (hotpop).

BUT I HAVE been able to send and receive at least one email... I just wish I could do it more without having to check 100 times

mike

Posted by: lost_rebel

I can not send email using GPRS. This has to do with SMTP relay issues. I can however send using CSD. NOTE: When using CSD, I dial earthlink direct. I do not use the T-mobile CSD connection.

Posted by: HoLlanD dOg

Quote:

Originally posted by lost_rebel
I can not send email using GPRS. This has to do with SMTP relay issues. I can however send using CSD. NOTE: When using CSD, I dial earthlink direct. I do not use the T-mobile CSD connection.

you mean you use the earthlink dailup number?
hmm..I'll try, thanks.

Posted by: lost_rebel

Yup, I use the earthlink dialup. System does not know that I am not a computer.

Posted by: Beowulff

Quote:

Originally posted by Dutch
Yes, that (the inability to access POP3 mail through whatever means) is the whole frustrating thrust of this.

Part of the difficulty I have had over the past weeks while seeking help on various forums is that I have found no other Dutch users of the GD87 with Live! who have also wanted POP3 mail access. And non-Dutch members misunderstand the problem as they simply can not believe that it is blocked. In other countries, Vodafone is not blocking it.

Biut I can not access POP3 either throuhh CSD or through GPRS while using the Live! SIM. And Vodafone-NL have now confirmed this as policy. No combination of settings or configuration will solve it. Vodafone-NL will have to change their policy.

Dutch

Well, here you have one dutch Live user that want's it. I've also been trying and couldn't get it to work. Strangely enough you *can* use pop3 to read your vodafone mail account from a PDA connected to the GD87 over IR, using a GPRS connection. So why doesn't the GD87's builtin mail app work?

I almost forgot: you should use pop3.vizzavi.nl for reading your username@vodafone.nl mail with a pop3 mail client. It's not documented anywhere, but it appears to work.

Posted by: AccordCoupe99

I set up my GD87 email function with my school's dial up internet account and I can receive/send emails without any problems.... but when sending emails with attachment (i.e. pics), I can not attach more than 1 pic at a time....

Posted by: lost_rebel

I have not tried to attach more than 1 image. guess I will have to give it a try

Posted by: Beowulff

Well, I got it working, See also http://gathering.tweakers.net/forum...essage/16776423

The trick that did it, was to specify the servers by their ip adress, instead of their hostname. Apparently something's wrong with the DNS lookup from the mail client (I'm sure I specified a valid DNS ip, as I used the one I had to set op on my PDA). Not sure if this is a problem with the Panasonic software, or something Vodafone-NL did wrong, or disabled. But it works now, as long as they don't change the ip adresses of the mail servers.

For reading your Vodafone email (username@vodafone.nl) use these settings:
SMTP Server: 62.72.223.74 ( = pop3.vizzavi.nl)
POP3 Server: 62.72.223.68 ( = authsmtp.vizzavi.nl)

What puzzles me, is that you (Dutch) said you tried specifying IP addresses instead of hostnames. Did you also use the vizzavi servers? Because the vodafone.net servers are UK only - you just don't have an account there.

grtz Mark

Posted by: Beowulff

Quote:

Originally posted by Beowulff
SMTP Server: 62.72.223.74 ( = pop3.vizzavi.nl)
POP3 Server: 62.72.223.68 ( = authsmtp.vizzavi.nl)

Oops, I accifdently switched the hostnames... This is what it should read:
SMTP Server: 62.72.223.74 ( = authsmtp.vizzavi.nl)
POP3 Server: 62.72.223.68 ( = pop3.vizzavi.nl)

And something else I found out: sending mail over authenticated SMTP doesn't seem to work...

Posted by: bull

Hi all!

Is it possible to download only the subjects? Haven't found anything from the manuals... It would be great so I wouldn't have to download so much data then and that would lower my bill...

Posted by: Dutch

I am taking this one step at a time...
First thing I want is to get circuit-switch working... then I'll worry about the lack of POP3 via GPRS.

I just spent an hour on the phone with panasonic UK and another with various departments of Vodafone-NL, and have finally been told this:
Vodafone-NL has an internal problem registered which is preventing only their "Izi" (easy?) = pre-paid customers using CSD. This problem has ben outstanding since 9-December!!!! They told me today with a straight face that the expected resolution date logged against their service ticket is tomorrow (18 Jan). Well, I'll be in the US for a week now but when I return to NL, this is the first thing I'm gonna try.

Dutch

Posted by: lost_rebel

Quote:

Originally posted by Beowulff
Well, I got it working, See also http://gathering.tweakers.net/forum...essage/16776423

The trick that did it, was to specify the servers by their ip adress, instead of their hostname. Apparently something's wrong with the DNS lookup from the mail client
What puzzles me, is that you (Dutch) said you tried specifying IP addresses instead of hostnames. Did you also use the vizzavi servers? Because the vodafone.net servers are UK only - you just don't have an account there.

Thanks for reiterating this, I mentioned it at the top of this thread but did not put as much effort into it as you did.

Posted by: tommylux247

I am having problems too but its on orange.. i can connect to the pop email through the GPRS but when i try and connect through the dial up it doesnt let me, i want to access through the dial up as i will only be connected for a min to download all my emails eg if if it is 100kb will take me few mins at 10p per min otherwise i pay for the ammount downloaded by gprs which could be more money. Want to know what setings you have on orange??

Many thanks

Tom