SMTP enabled server instances
Every account is eligible to deploy a SMTP enabled server. Note that by default all server instances are delivered with port 25, 465 and 587 closed. Here's how you enable SMTP in three simple steps:
- Create a new server instance, choose a G3 plan (any 3xx region)
- Toggle the "Enable SMTP" option, which is now available
- Head over to the "Up-front" tab and select "3 days (smtp compatible)" or higher.
On demand or reserved
There are two different types of SMTP enabled servers, "on demand" exist primarily for testing and development and will cost at least $1 per instance, if used for 3 days (minimum time). The price is set high on purpose by using a SMTP subscription fee of $20/mo. This is to discourage email spam networks, and scammers from using on demand servers, which would otherwise be an easy way to obtain a large range of clean ip addresses anonymously.
To get the most for your money, we therefore recommend a "reserved instance", when dealing with direct emails. A reserved instance offers up to 20% discount and requires at least 3 months of reservation time. A reserved instance means that you get a clean ip address and keep it for the entire lifespan of the server instance. It's up to you to ensure that your emails are compliant with EU anti spam laws, GDPR and other regulations in order to avoid getting blacklisted.
Refunds
It's recommended to first test the server performance on a non SMTP enabled server plan, for a minimal cost and with hourly billing. Once you order a SMTP enabled server there is a minimum time before it can be removed. In accordance with the distance purchase law (SE 2005:59) you may cancel a SMTP subscription for up to 14 days after purchase, and get a refund to your account balance.
In order to request a refund, contact support. Note that is may take a few days before any payout is made. This is to give service providers and users affected by spam a chance to file a complaint. If your server instance has been involved in distribution of spam, there are no refunds.