Can I access my old ISP email with a new ISP?

[ribulose2001]

I think of myself as pretty computer literate, but I can't seem to find the answer on this question. I saw in the deals page a great dsl deal for SBC. I'm trying to convince my brother to swtich from a dial-up ISP to dsl. He refuses to give cancel the dial up because he still wants access to his ISP email account. Presently he uses AT&T global isp and uses outlook to access his email. Is it possible to access an AT&T email account using another internet service provider? Would his email be closed when he cancels his account? I'm not familiar with outlook so if it is possible can you explain or refer me to the pertinent information so I can explain it to him. Thanks all for your help.

[Jenny]

Yes, of course your email will be cancelled if you close the account. You have several options. One, get a free email account (such as gmail) then start changing all your email to it. (ie, get an email on the dialup account, go to that website or whatever and change your information) Or Go ahead and sign up for the dsl but keep the dialup active and do the same thing, transferring email to the new email account.

[ceeka]

If he keeps his old account active he should be able to recieve email from his old ISP but not send out email with that account. There are so many free email accounts (gmail, yahoo, hotmail) out that everyone should get one and not worry about having to change email addresses if they switch their ISP. I would suggest that he signs up for SBC and keeps his old ISP active until he has competely switched to his new email.

[Jenny]

Yes, that's what I said. :) If he keeps his dialup active when he signs up for the new service, he can get his email and begin to switch it over. :)

[ceeka]

I know I pretty much said what you said Jenny. I just wanted to clarify some points and support what you had said.