AT&T WorldNet
BLOCKS EMAIL
FROM
OTHER DOMAINS

August 2-8, 2002

A compilation of related communications

This web page is http://obri.net/att/mail2.html

Web page by Jay O'Brien
jayobrien@att.net

jump to other ATT WorldNet related issues

This correspondence below was extracted from the worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server newsgroup.

It relates to the service outage from August 2 to August 8, 2002.

During much of that time ATT WorldNet was blocking incoming mail from several domains, including aol, netscape, speakeasy, bigfoot, qwest, cs, swbell, bellsouth, ebay, oklahoma and others.  ATT Worldnet subscribers did not get mail from those domains, and in many cases mail sent to ATT Worldnet subscribers was returned to the sender after 24 hours or more.

The ATT Newsgroup Support Agents appear to also be frustrated with the lack of information. It appears to me that they really are customer advocates, and they would like to fill us in on what is going on during the resolution of the problem.

However, ATT WorldNet technical support does not seem forthcoming with any information to be passed along to ATT WorldNet customers. The Newsgroup Support Agents, for instance, could only repeat what had been reported by subscribers on the newsgroup when asked for a list of blocked domains. It appears that technical support would not even share that very basic and important information with the Newsgroup Support Agents!

 The problem now is apparently cleared, but ATT WorldNet was not forthcoming with any useful details about the service failure until over a month had passed.  

My correspondence with the WorldNet President appears first below. It is followed by the newsgroup correspondence. 



-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Mail blocked from some domains since Saturday
Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 09:34:24 -0700
From: Jay O'Brien
To: worldnetpresident@att.net
CC: Angela Almanza
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Dear Worldnet president,

Are you aware that ATT worldnet users have not been able to receive email from some domains, including aol, speakeasy, netscape, swbell, bellsouth, bigfoot and cs since Saturday? The ATT Network support agents in your service newsgroup worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server have been polite and courteous, but have not supplied any reasons for this blockage or any prognosis.

Aol users individually represent a significant percentage of the email addresses. Your subscribers are able to send to aol and the mail gets through immediately; however, responses from aol are delayed long enough that aol is notifying the senders that att does not accept their mail. This is usually after 24 hours or more of attempts to send the mail to the att address.

This is a MAJOR problem and I would appreciate the attention of the executive office.

Thank you

Jay O'Brien

See previous example from March 2002:
http://www.obri.net/att/mail.html
AT&T Worldnet Communications Breakdown

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: followup on service outage
Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 16:19:59 -0700
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
To: worldnetpresident@att.net, Angela Almanza <analmanza@att.com>

Dear Worldnet President,

I have not received any response from you to the message copied (above). Should I expect a response soon?

Jay O'Brien

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Additional followup on service outage
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2002 01:12:50 -0700
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
To: worldnetpresident@att.net
CC: Angela Almanza <analmanza@att.com>

Dear Worldnet President,

I have compiled the representative newsgroup correspondence for your review at http://obri.net/att/mail2.html.

This service outage is still in effect at 1 AM PDT. I thought it had been partially cleared four hours ago, but that was apparently a temporary fix.

Your assistance will be much appreciated. Can you at least find out what is going on and see to the distribution of that information to your subscribers? Please don't keep us in the dark.

Thank you,

Jay O'Brien

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: More followup on service outage
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2002 23:07:03 -0700
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
To: worldnetpresident@att.net
CC: Angela Almanza <analmanza@att.com>

Dear Worldnet President,

Other than the automatic responses from each message I have sent on this subject, I have not received a response from you.

Because mail seems to be flowing again, can I assume that the problem was fixed? Or is this another temporary fix? Your Forum personnel have not been provided any information to pass along to your subscribers.

I would appreciate closure on this very serious service failure. What happened, what was done, what will be done in the future to prevent a recurrence, and why was no information forthcoming to your subscribers during the service outage?

I have compiled contemporary information for you and posted it at http://obri.net/att/mail2.html.

A repeat of the correspondence I have sent to you on this service failure is included for your information.

Jay O'Brien

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Request for response
Date: Sat, 17 Aug 2002 12:50:10 -0700
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
To: worldnetpresident@att.net

Dear Worldnet President,

This is my second followup on this matter. Are you purposely ignoring my query?

Jay O'Brien

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: More followup on service outage
Date: Mon, 09 Sep 2002 17:59:53 -0700
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
To: Angela Almanza <analmanza@att.com>

Angela,

Thank you for your telephone call on August 26, 2002. you were responding to the messages copied (above). It was good to hear from you again. You told me that you would research this issue and get back to me.

Any prognosis on this situation?

Regards,

Jay O'Brien

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: RE: More followup on service outage
Date: Tue, 10 Sep 2002 13:22:53 -0400
From: <analmanza@att.com>
To: <jayobrien@att.net>

Dear Mr. O'Brien,

I apologize for the delay.  As I assured you, I brought your issue to the attention of our WorldNet Email Product Manager, and I was provided the following response.  I hope this information meets your satisfaction.  Thank you again for allowing me to assist you obtaining an explanation that helps us better understand the e-mail problems that were experienced.

Respectfully,

Angela N. Almanza
WorldNet Executive Appeals
210-691-7268 voice
281-664-9604 fax


Sent: Tuesday, September 03, 2002 7:28 AM
To:   Almanza, Angela N (Nina), CCARE; Crook, Ron, CCARE
Subject: Re: Follow-up on mail blockage 8/2-8/8/02

Angela,

In response to Mr. O'Brien's request here is a more detailed account on
the email problem of August 2nd 2002.

As a result of WorldNet's ongoing battle with Spam and to minimize the
amount of Spam our customers receive, a configuration parameter on the
email platform was changed.

However, a bug in the software was exposed and  the WorldNet engineers
working with our vendor engineers attempted to remedy the problem.

The software bug caused machine limits to be reached which could only be
remedied by re-starting various components of the platform. The net
affect of re-starting the various components lead to further delays. Once
re-started, the same problem would occur and this cycle continued until a
software fix could be installed. In the interim, various short term
'fixes' were used to alleviate the delays and a permanent fix was put
into place early on August 7th.

The impact to customers varied depending upon the domain that the email
was being sent from. Most customers and there email were not impacted, but
some customers experienced delayed email deliveries and in some cases
where the sending system's email delivery timeout was exceeded, the
sender would receive an undeliverable notification.

Hope this helps,
[the above message did not include a signature when forwarded by Angela Almanza]

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: More followup on service outage
Date: Tue, 10 Sep 2002 17:56:25 -0700
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
To: Angela Almanza <analmanza@att.com>

Angela,

Thank you for the response. Yes, that really helps to explain the problem, and it is reassuring to learn that the reason for the outage is understood and handled.

However, it still does not answer the question included in my message of August 6, "why was no information forthcoming to your subscribers during the service outage?" I feel that ATT is doing its subscribers a disservice by withholding information such as this from your own Newsgroup Support Agents and from your customers.

I would appreciate an answer.

Thank you,

Jay O'Brien

The correspondence below is presented in date order, starting from the top.


-------- Original Message --------
Subject: email from aol users
Date: Fri, 02 Aug 2002 14:23:00 GMT
From: xxxx@att.net
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Email from aol users is taking as long as 12 hours to arrive sometimes. This problem was reported about a week ago, then improved for a few days. Now, it's back.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: email from aol users
Date: Fri, 02 Aug 2002 14:25:35 GMT
From: AT&T David Alexander <dalexander@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Hello,
I am sorry the problems returned. We do continue to track down the problems with delayed email.

Please post the full headers from a couple of the delayed emails.
--
David Alexander
AT&T Electronic Customer Care - Newsgroup Support Agent

NOTICE: Please be aware that my first priority is to respond to customers in the newsgroups. As such, I will not be able to respond to email until all newsgroups messages have been addressed. You will receive quicker service by posting your message in the newsgroups rather than using email.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Forwarded Mail from bigfoot.com
Date: Fri, 02 Aug 2002 16:14:23 GMT
From: kxxxxxxx@worldnet.att.net
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

I have a bigfoot.com account.  That account forwards my bigfoot mail to the above email address.

Since early yesterday morning I have received no mail forwarded by Bigfoot.

Over the past 18 hours I have prepared several test messages to bigfoot none of which were recv'd by me at the att address.

I added another email address to the bigfoot distribution list and messages sent to my bigfoot address are forwarded to it.  But not, my worldnet address above.

Can you please check this out!

Kent 

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Forwarded Mail from bigfoot.com
Date: Fri, 02 Aug 2002 16:25:29 GMT
From: AT&T David Alexander <dalexander@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Kent,
Have you checked with bigfoot.com to make sure they are not experiencing any problems? We will need to know if any of the forwarded email is being returned to them.
You might try disabling the forwarding by bigfoot and then re-enabling and see if that corrects the problem.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: mail being returned AGAIN!!
Date: Fri, 02 Aug 2002 17:24:50 GMT
From: "Nancy" <cxxxt@worldnet.att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Alright, as if it isn't bad enought that I have had delayed mail.  I just got off the phone with a friend who said that he messages to me were returned as undeliverable.  Is there ANYONE I can talk to that can give me an answer besides "we are researching this"?  Seems to be that there aren't any answers out there.

Nancy

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: mail being returned AGAIN!!
Date: Fri, 02 Aug 2002 17:27:21 GMT
From: AT&T David Alexander <dalexander@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Nancy,
I understand yours, and other members, frustrations. The only news I have at this time is that our network and mail team are aware of the problem with delayed/bounced email and are actively working to fix the problem as soon as possible.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: mail being returned AGAIN!!
Date: Fri, 02 Aug 2002 17:33:04 GMT
From: "Nancy" <cxxxt@worldnet.att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Manwhile, I think that after a week of dealing with this, I will find a new email provider.  Have you tried to see if it is something with say AOL since that seems to be a major route that people are having difficulty with?

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: mail being returned AGAIN!!
Date: Fri, 02 Aug 2002 17:36:23 GMT
From: AT&T David Alexander <dalexander@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Nancy,
I assure you that they are checking all possibilities.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: email from aol users
Date: Fri, 02 Aug 2002 20:07:58 GMT
From: AT&T David Alexander <dalexander@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Hello,
FYI:

From: "AT&T Mike Stewart" <mstewart@attecc.com>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server
Subject: e-mail delays resolved
Organization: AT&T Worldnet
Date: Fri, 02 Aug 2002 19:15:12 GMT

All

Some Worldnet customers may have experienced delays on receiving email over the last few days, our technical team has found and corrected an issue and we believe it is resolved at this time. Because mail may have already been deferred though, some previously delayed mail may still be received but this should clear up once all the deferred mail has been delivered, most likely within 24 hours.

We apologize for  the inconvenience, thanks for your patience.
--
Michael Stewart
AT&T WorldNet Service Customer Care
PWP, MSWS, E-mail & BetaSite Liaison

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: delayed e-mail
Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2002 01:32:03 GMT
From: kxxxxn@att.net
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

I see from the previous responses that there was a problem and it was found and fixed.  However, I have had people sending me e-mails after you had posted that it was fixed that I have not received.  One was sent at 4:30 p.m. Central time and again at 6:30 Central.  I have not received either one.  It is now 8:30 Central Time.  It looks like the problem may not be fixed completely. 

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Email issue NOT cleared yesterday afternoon
Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2002 14:27:10 GMT
From: "MP" <mxxxxm@worldnet.att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Good morning,

>There was an issue with email that was cleared yesterday afternoon....

If that's the case, why haven't I yet received two emails I sent from a cs.com account to this AT&T email address on Sat, 3 Aug 2002 04:16:15 EDT and Sat, 3 Aug 2002 07:29:46 EDT?

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Email issue NOT cleared yesterday afternoon
Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2002 14:29:43 GMT
From: AT&T John Oliver <joliver@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

MP,
We had notice that the delays may be seen for up to 24 hours after the fix. Please let us know if you see the issue continue this afternoon.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Not receiving emails
Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2002 17:51:55 GMT
From: wxxxn@worldnet.att.net
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

since yesterday afternoon I have not been receiving emails from other than ATT subscribers.  For example, I had 3 emails sent yesterday afternoon from 3 different AOL subscribers that were not received by me.  We talked this morning and they each sent me a repeat of the message that was not received.  I just had a friend send me a test email that did not arrive.  He subscribes to Comcast.  He then sent me an email from his wife's computer who subscribes to ATT.  That is the only message that has come through.

Please help me to receive my emails.

Wendell

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Not receiving Mail
Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2002 18:08:39 GMT
From: "saco" <sxxxxo@worldnet.att.net>
Organization: AT&T Worldnet
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

I am unable to receive mail or it is delayed for hours and in some cases days. The odd exception is that mail from hotmail.com arrives instantly. Mail fromfriends at AOL are no show.
rw

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: EMAIL DOWN AGAIN
Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2002 19:03:27 GMT
From: Beauregard  <a.nony.mous@nowhere.invalid>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

AT&T John Oliver recycled zillions of electrons to create this rambling:
Additionally, if you would let us know the domains where the mail is not arriving from I will pass this on to the network folks too. For example: aol.com, bigfoot.com, pobox.com, netscape.net, earthlink.com, etc.

John, I can confirm that messages from AOL to ATT are not arriving. Two business associates - who unfortunately have AOL accounts - sent me several messages since Wednesday. None have arrived.

I was speaking with one of them this morning at 9:00 am ET and he Replied to one of mine while we were talking - 2nd phone line of course. It is now 3:00 pm and it hasn't arrived yet. Messages from many other sources arrive immediately. Myrealbox, Hotmail, MSN, Nigerian scammers, nbtrans, evenlink and others arrive almost instantly.

My messages TO these AOL people arrive in their "You've Got Mail" boxes just fine.

One of the two companies keeps setting their "blocks" on, seems to be about once a month...
--
   -bts

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Mail not coming from AOL, Speakeasy, Netscape
Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2002 19:25:39 GMT
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

The last mail I received from my mail.speakeasy.org SMTP was delayed over 9 hours. Mail sent to my ATT WN account from the speakeasy SMTP in the last 14 hours has not been received at all.

I sent mail to myself at ATT WN from my AOL account 13 hours ago that has not arrived.

I also note that mail sent to myself from my Netscape account using smtp.netscape.net has not been received, but that was only an hour ago.

Mail I send to myself via a bounce address at vrx.net, however, comes to my ATT WN account immediately.

Mail I send to myself via imailhost.worldnet.att.net comes instantly to all of my accounts.

Mail comes instantly to me from vlists.net, greatcircle.com, attbi.com, and, of course, the spammers at mail.com, lycos.co.uk and others.

Mail used to come instantly to my ATT WN account from all of the sources that are now delayed or blocked.

It appears that ATT is not receiving mail from some sources but is receiving mail just fine from others.

Any prognosis?

Jay O'Brien

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Mail not coming from AOL, Speakeasy, Netscape
Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2002 19:27:55 GMT
From: AT&T John Oliver <joliver@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Jay,
Thanks for the details. I will pass this on to the network folks investigating the problem.
John Oliver
AT&T Electronic Customer Care - Newsgroup Support Agent

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Mail not coming from AOL, Speakeasy, Netscape
Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2002 19:34:35 GMT
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

You are welcome.  BTW, I note that this very serious mail outage is not mentioned either on the Service Bulletins web page at http://worldnet.attecc.com/bulletins/  or by a message posted to worldnet.announce. I trust this is an oversight.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Mail not coming from AOL, Speakeasy, Netscape
Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2002 19:39:13 GMT
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

An update.
I just received a test message I sent to ATT WN account an hour ago from my AOL account. Messages sent on AOL yesterday, however, have not been received.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Mail not coming from AOL, Speakeasy, Netscape
Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2002 19:41:21 GMT
From: AT&T John Oliver <joliver@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Jay, Thanks for the update. If possible, please post the header for the delayed message you received today. Thanks!

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Mail not coming from AOL, Speakeasy, Netscape
Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2002 19:45:04 GMT
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Header is below, as requested.(header included)

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Mail not coming from AOL, Speakeasy, Netscape
Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2002 19:49:00 GMT
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Another followup. Note the message was sent to three accounts. The other two accounts received this mail within seconds after it was sent, so at least for those two copies there was no delay at AOL.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Delayed E-mail
Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2002 20:20:09 GMT
From: cxxxxt@att.net
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

And as of 4:19 pm 3 aug, I am still missing mails sent today from AOL.  I was under the understanding that this issue was fixed.
Nancy               

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Delayed E-mail
Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2002 20:23:15 GMT
From: AT&T John Oliver <joliver@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Nancy,
The issue was thought to be resolved, but we have sent the problem issue back to the network folks for additional investigation as it appears to be continuing today. I apologize for the inconvenience this is causing and hope it is resolved as quickly as possible.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Delayed E-mail
Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2002 20:32:58 GMT
From: cxxxxt@att.net
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

 So do I as I am at a pivotal point in my AT&T worldnet account.   I am going to have to have a transitional month of access before switching to the companion rate.  If this contiues as of August 10th, I will certainly be investigating outh email sources.  10 days to have this ongoing problem is a bit much.  I do volunteer work in which I need timely email service.  I am paying for something I am not getting.

------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Mail Still Delayed
Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2002 21:33:35 GMT
From: "Suzy" <sxxxxn@bigfoot.com>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

My mail is being forwarded through bigfoot.com.   I sent you headers back on 7/31 for some delayed mail.  I don't know if whatever was fixed yesterday was the reason my mail was delayed.  A few emails did get through within minutes last week.  But now I haven't gotten any email since last night, so is this now a new ATT problem?  I have sent email to bigfoot's help desk with headers of my last received message to find out if the problem is on their end.   Is this a systemwide problem you are having?  Or just the few isolated, unlucky customers who have been posting here?   I am in San Jose, CA.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: AT&T e-mail services Down Part 2
Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2002 21:49:08 GMT
From: "Glenn" <gxxxxr@att.net>
Organization: Home PC
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

It's amazing reading through all the posts concerning AT&T e-mail services, how you try to make it seem like it is everyone elses problem.

You know that the e-mail problem is with AT&T, yet you refuse to post this information in your service bulletins.

Is it entertaining to AT&T for thousands of people to search endlessly and contact their forwarding services and play with their AT&T e-mail account settings, while AT&T makes us think that it is everone elses problem.

Please show us that you are not like everyone else and be honest with your service bulletines.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Messages trickling in
Date: Sun, 04 Aug 2002 01:18:16 GMT
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

I just received two messages I sent almost 20 hours ago from AOL to my ATT account; I also just received a message I sent to myself 3 hours ago via the speakeasy smtp. There are many other messages still out there, some were sent before those I've received, some were sent after.

I suppose this will be another instance where we are not told what really happened.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Messages trickling in
Date: Sun, 04 Aug 2002 01:20:00 GMT
From: "AT&T Ellen Norberg" <ENorberg@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Jay,
Thank you for the update. When additional information is released we'll post it for you.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Mail Sent from AOL Rejected
Date: Sun, 04 Aug 2002 06:10:35 GMT
From: "Robert" <rxxxxd@worldnet.att.net>
Organization: AT&T Worldnet
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

I'll add my problem to the list which seems to have a common thread of problems experienced receiving messages from AOL into ATT Worldnet. Starting sometime during the morning of August 2, mail sent from AOL to me at ATT was undelivered.  On August 3, the sender at AOL received undeliverable notices.  Resends tonight from AOL of those rejected messages did come through.  I am including the rejection notice from some of those messages for your analysis. (bounced message included)

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Mail still missing
Date: Sun, 04 Aug 2002 06:14:35 GMT
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

I'm still missing test mail I sent from AOL, Speakeasy and Netscape to my ATT WN account. One was sent 25 hours ago, and the most recent one still missing was sent 5 hours ago.
I trust it will all be here in the morning?

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Mail still missing
Date: Sun, 04 Aug 2002 06:35:21 GMT
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Based on the message from Robert, I checked my AOL account and sure enough, the oldest message bounced.
Here's the complete source of what bounced back to me from AOL. Note the first received time and the last attempt time. (bounced message included)

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Mail still missing
Date: Sun, 04 Aug 2002 11:19:31 GMT
From: AT&T John Oliver <joliver@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Jay,
Thanks! I will pass on your information along with Robert's.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: mail still delayed or blocked to ATT WN
Date: Sun, 04 Aug 2002 16:09:01 GMT
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

I am still waiting for test messages I sent yesterday, over 24 hours ago, to my ATT WN account via the smtp I use for my outgoing email, speakeasy.org; I note that mail sent now from speakeasy or netscape smtp's is immediately delivered to both my speakeasy and netscape accounts, but does not come through on my first choice email account, jayobrien@att.net. I usually see delivery of such email to my ATT WN account in seconds from when it was sent.
-
Email from some sources to my ATT WN account, however, is still on a nearly instant basis. Today's ATT WN problem is not with the ATT WN email servers, as mail via a bounce address on a host in Canada comes in to my ATT WN account immediately, exactly as it has in the past. Email sent to my ATT account from hotmail and from yahoo comes in immediately, exactly as it has in the past.
-
I hope that ATT doesn't think they have this problem fixed, because they don't. Mail from a large portion of the internet is still being stopped from reaching ATT WN email addresses in a timely manner.
-
Can't we be advised about what is going on? The web "Service Bulletin" message and the worldnet.announce post and are woefully inadequate in terms of customer communication with us, your subscribers. ATT, please share what is going on. After all, you are a communications company, now communicate!
-
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: mail still delayed or blocked to ATT WN
Date: Sun, 04 Aug 2002 16:13:30 GMT
From: AT&T John Oliver <joliver@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Jay,
The issue continues to be worked by the network folks. I am sorry there is no additional detail to provide other than it is currently being worked. A previous fix did not correct the issue, so they are probably continuing to work on a new approach to fixing the problem.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: mail still delayed or blocked to ATT WN
Date: Sun, 04 Aug 2002 19:15:15 GMT
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

This is preposterous. Some mail comes in, delayed, some seems lost. Mail from hotmail, yahoo, and spammers comes in instantly. Yet, I am waiting on test mail I sent from my speakeasy smtp 27 hours ago, while mail sent the same way after the missing mail has been received, although delayed. I sent mail from AOL this morning that was "only" delayed 32 minutes; but I am now waiting over three times that long for a subsequent AOL email.
-
There's been no update to the Service Bulletin and no update to the announce newsgroup post made yesterday.
-
Hello, ATT, do you care about us? At least have the decency to tell us what is going on. Please. If this is going to continue into the work week, a lot of us are going to have to advise our correspondents to send email to us at an address that works.
-
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: mail still delayed or blocked to ATT WN
Date: Sun, 04 Aug 2002 19:23:38 GMT
From: AT&T John Oliver <joliver@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Jay,
The issue continues to be worked, but I have no estimates on when this will be resolved. If we get additional details, we will post them here and the announcements are updated when new information is available. I know the issue is frustrating and do apologize for the inconvenience this is causing.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Mail from Speakeasy also blocked by ATT?
Date: Sun, 04 Aug 2002 20:16:02 GMT
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

I use the speakeasy smtp for my outgoing mail because the ATT SSL smtp is not set up to accept mail over the internet from my mail client. Speakeasy is my DSL ISP. This is a message I sent to my ATT address via the default smtp outgoing mail server that I use for outgoing mail.
-
The bounce message I received from speakeasy is below. Speakeasy tech support tells me there is nothing they can do to help.(bounced message included)
-
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Mail from Speakeasy also blocked by ATT?
Date: Sun, 04 Aug 2002 20:18:03 GMT
From: AT&T John Oliver <joliver@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Jay,
Thanks for the additional details. This type issue continues to be worked by the network folks.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Mail from Speakeasy also blocked by ATT?
Date: Sun, 04 Aug 2002 20:49:23 GMT
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

John,
I really hope this can be resolved soon, and that this time, information on the problem is forthcoming. The last time I was involved with a similar communications breakdown between the tech support and Newsgroup support agents, I was able to get an answer from the Worldnet President. I prefer to not spend similar time and effort to escalate this incident. Just a little information about what is going on would go a long way.
-Jay O'Brien
See http://www.obri.net/att/mail.html  (AT&T Worldnet Communications Breakdown -- March 2002)

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Mail from Speakeasy also blocked by ATT?
Date: Sun, 04 Aug 2002 20:55:23 GMT
From: AT&T John Oliver <joliver@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Jay,
When we get additional details, we will post them here. I am sorry, but do not have more details I can provide than the issue continues to be worked.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: NOT GETTING MAIL FROM ANY SERVER
Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 00:14:06 GMT
From: HxxxH@WORLDNET.ATT.NET
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

NOT GETTING MAIL FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AND THEN SOME BUT NOT ALL MAIL BEGAN TO COME THROUGH SAT NIGHT AND SUN MORNING AUG 3,& 4.  SUN EVENING, AUG 4, NO MAIL COMING THROUGH AGAIN. WORLDNET IS REJECTING MAIL FROM OTHER SERVERS.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Which ISPs & Servers are blocked?
Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 03:54:02 GMT
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

To all who are affected by the selective blocking and/or delay of email sent to att worldnet addresses that is now going on two days in length:
-
I will place messages tonight and tomorrow on the many mailing lists I administer alerting everyone to the fact that mail is blocked to us with att.net addresses from many domains, such as aol, speakeasy, bigfoot, netscape, etc. Fortunately the mailing lists I administer are not being blocked to att.net, at least not at this time, so I can get wide distribution on the list of blocked servers and receive additions from those on the lists. The list of blocked servers will no doubt get to the on-line internet newsletters for even wider distribution. It is unfortunate I can't include a description of the problem and the prognosis, but that has not been shared with us by ATT.
-
I would like the list of domains that are blocked to att to be as complete as possible, and I welcome additions to the list from any and all. If you wish to send them directly to me, I will keep your identity confidential.
-
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Which ISPs & Servers are blocked?
Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 03:59:22 GMT
From: "AT&T Ellen Norberg" <ENorberg@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Jay,
I have forwarded your message to the Mail Liaison so he is aware, thank you.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Which ISPs & Servers are blocked?
Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 04:02:28 GMT
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Thank you Ellen,
-
It would be very helpful if your mail liason could provide the list I am attempting to create. I am certain that he could do so.
-
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Which ISPs & Servers are blocked?
Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 04:16:02 GMT
From: "AT&T Ellen Norberg" <ENorberg@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Jay,
I will bring your additional suggestion to his attention as well. You are most welcome.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Which ISPs & Servers are blocked?
Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 04:24:18 GMT
From: "MP" <mxxxm@worldnet.att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Hi Jay,
AOL's CompuServe 2000 (the domain name for which is cs.com) relies on AOL's mail servers, so email from cs.com is also not reaching (or sometimes arrives hours/days late at) ATT.net mailboxes.  Note that compuserve.com is not handled by AOL's servers, so I don't know whether mail from compuserve.com is getting through.
Thanks!

Note the next message was, in error, sent from my Netscape account to worldnet president and to the newsgroup. What is interesting is that the message bounced back to me after being blocked by att for 24 hours! I did resend the message; I received an automated receipt confirmation from the office of the worldnet president.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Mail blocked from some domains since Saturday
Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 09:34:24 -0700
From: Jay O'Brien <jjayob@netscape.net>
To: worldnetpresident@att.net
CC: Angela Almanza <analmanza@att.com>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Dear Worldnet president,

Are you aware that ATT worldnet users have not been able to receive email from some domains, including aol, speakeasy, netscape, swbell, bellsouth, bigfoot and cs since Saturday? The ATT Network support agents in your service newsgroup worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server have been polite and courteous, but have not supplied any reasons for this blockage or any prognosis.

Aol users individually represent a significant percentage of the email addresses. Your subscribers are able to send to aol and the mail gets through immediately; however, responses from aol are delayed long enough that aol is notifying the senders that att does not accept their mail. This is usually after 24 hours or more of attempts to send the mail to the att address.

This is a MAJOR problem and I would appreciate the attention of the executive office.

Thank you

Jay O'Brien
See previous example from March 2002: http://www.obri.net/att/mail.html AT&T Worldnet Communications Breakdown

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Leaving AT&T for Earthlink
Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 10:34:27 GMT
From: "MP" <mxxxm@worldnet.att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Good morning,

I still haven't received over a dozen emails that were sent to me (from aol.com addresses) last Thursday and Friday (8/1-8/2).  None of the 8 (or more?) emails sent to me Sunday from cs.com and aol.com addresses has arrived yet.  Other emails from these and other domains have shown up anywhere from a few hours to a few days late.

I've been posting trouble reports (with headers) regarding my AT&T email not reaching AOL destinations since last December.  I've posted several trouble reports (with headers) during the past couple of weeks regarding emails correctly addressed to me that have been rejected by AT&T and returned to senders as undeliverable.  Naturally, I have absolutely no idea how much of my incoming and outgoing email has been altogether lost without my knowledge.

Many, many other AT&T subscribers have repeatedly reported these same or similar problems druing the past year (and perhaps prior to that).

Alhtough the Newsgroup Support Agents have been impressively prompt and polite in response to all the complaints and reports of email delays and losses, it's obvious that AT&T's technical personnel are unable to fix the problems, for reasons we subscribers can't fathom.

Because I and others with whom I work require national dialup access and internationally accessible webmail, we've maintained AT&T accounts for several years; until recently we've generally been satisfied with the service. However, we simply can't devote any more time to helping AT&T debug its severely impaired email system, or to chasing lost emails and phoning associates to see whether they've sent or received correspondence.  (Why an international telecom giant like AT&T has fallen to such a disturbingly low level of technical capability and reliability is something I'd rather not contemplate at the moment....)

So, as hassle-ridden as it will be to switch all of our email accounts, we're biting the bullet and moving to Earthlink.

Sincere thanks to the Newsgroup Support Agents, and to all the other AT&T subscribers who've so generously provided free technical support and documentation to AT&T in an effort to help AT&T solve its problems.

------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Mail still missing
Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 16:35:17 GMT
From: bxxxt@worldnet.att.net
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Mail sent to me Sat. 3Aug was rejected, with identical permanent error message reptd by Jay O'Brien. Normal daily msgs total 30; Sat rec'd 6, Sun rec'd 3, today, Mon Aug 5 rec'd nothing. Need is urgent for Coast Guard Aux. Fltla Commander comms. Repeat URGENT!               
bill

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Mail still missing
Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 16:38:01 GMT
From: AT&T John Oliver <joliver@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

bill,
Thanks for posting your details. The network team continues to work on this issue to get it resolved as quickly as possible. I apologize for the inconvenience, but do not have an estimate on when this will ultimately be resolved.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Mail blocked from some domains since Saturday
Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 17:43:25 GMT
From: rxxxxxl@worldnet.att.net
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

The same thing indeed has been happening to me!!!  Oh, I'm so glad I'm not alone!!  It is Aol and netscape from which I cannot get mail so easily!  I do hope the problem is fixed soon

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Mail still missing.  What's the deal??
Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 18:22:30 GMT
From: "Minh" <sxxxxo@worldnet.att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

When will this be fixed?  Now I can't receive email from People on qwest.com.  What's going on with you guys?  This is getting ridiculous.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Delayed/undelivered mail: Another header for your review
Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 19:58:33 GMT
From: dxxxxM@bigfoot.com (Dave)
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

First, an editorial comment!
You have to admit the e-mail delays/bounces/non-deliveries are a *serious* problem.  We're your customers and have chosen AT&T because of your reputation for service.  We understand that problems (even big ones) occur from time to time.  What we *don't* like is being given limited, insincere, PR-speak information like "The engineers are working on the problem."  Please treat us with respect and trust by telling us the truth.
End of sermon.
OK, my mail is all forwarded from Bigfoot, so I've suffered the loss of lots of mail over the last few days.  Here's a nice fat header from one of the listservs I subscribe to that you might find interesting:

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Mail Outage: No response from worldnet president
Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 23:27:26 GMT
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

FYI to newsgroup.
I have learned that qwest and ebay are also bouncing mail to att addresses, in addition to the seven domains listed (in my email to worldnet president).
Mail does come through on occasion, but there is no rhyme nor reason to it.
Mail continues to come in immediately from other domains, including hotmail and yahoo.
It is unfortunate that ATT continues to keep its customers in the dark.
I expected something from the worldnet president, if only a "we'll get back to you" statement. Maybe the message was blocked?

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Mail Outage: No response from worldnet president
Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 23:31:14 GMT
From: AT&T Marie Gonzalez <mgonzalez@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Good afternoon Jay, Thank you for your comments.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Mail Outage: No response from worldnet president
Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 23:54:34 GMT
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

I just got an auto-responder message from the Worldnet president's office, responding to my followup message below. I did some additional review and I need to take him off the hook for non-response. I have egg on my face!
-
I NEVER use the Netscape smtp to send mail, except for test purposes. I was set up to send test messages and forgot that fact. In error, I sent the first message to the Worldnet President from my Netscape account, which is, of course, one of the domains blocked or delayed by ATT. I tried to send my complaint letter from a domain ATT is ignoring!  Mea culpa. I'll try to be more careful in the future.
-
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Mail Outage: No response from worldnet president
Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 23:57:02 GMT
From: AT&T Marie Gonzalez <mgonzalez@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Good evening Jay, I am glad to hear the response came through.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: not receiving mail  - similar problem as Minh Le 8-02 is having
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2002 02:24:02 GMT
From: pxxx1@worldnet.att.net
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Mr. Oliver ... Glad to see that you're still here after all these years. :) Still having that e-mail issue. Funny, BellSouth is having the same problem.
What exactly IS the problem? Is it a backbone problem? Equipment problem?? Routing problem???
Can SOMEONE answer the question as to WHAT the problem is??? (as opposed to we are working on it?)
If you're working on "it" ... then "what is "it" that you're all working on?"
This is driving me up the wall ...  Most distraught but sure glad that you'll answer my question Mr. Oliver.;)
Sincerely,  Paula                 

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: not receiving mail  - similar problem as Minh Le 8-02 is having
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2002 02:26:53 GMT
From: "AT&T Ellen Norberg" <ENorberg@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Paula,
I am so sorry this issue continues to be both frustrating and inconveniencing. We would like to provide you with additional information but this has not been made available to us, at least not yet. As soon as we have more to share we will post it here.
Thanks.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Mail Outage update
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2002 04:38:35 GMT
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

I note that I am now receiving mail immediately from the Speakeasy smtp. What happened to all the mail sent from Speakeasy to me in the last 25 hours that I have not received? (the messages in queue for over 25 hours have been bounced by Speakeasy). Is this a transient happening, or will the present connectivity from Speakeasy be maintained?
-
Mail is still not coming in from Netscape or AOL. I don't have a way to test bigfoot, qwest, cs, swbell, bellsouth, ebay or oklahoma; reports to me indicate they are still unable to send mail to ATT addresses.
-
This problem has been in now for over three days and we have received zero information from ATT on the cause, cure or prognosis. We are left to test on our own to determine what is working and what is not working. That is dead wrong.
-
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Incoming from AOL -- Status Report
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2002 06:23:27 GMT
From: "Rob" <rxxxxd@worldnet.att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

As of late Monday evening the mail from AOL is coming through, but at less than light speed.  My AOL correspondent sent the same message tonight to my ATT and classic CompuServe addresses.  The CompuServe version was received with about a 10 second delay, while the  ATT routed one took about half an hour.
 
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Mail Outage update
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2002 08:05:17 GMT
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

I guess it was wishful thinking to believe the problem was at least partially fixed. Again, no mail from Speakeasy, ar any of the others. Why aren't we being told anything by ATT?
I've compiled some messages citing this mess at http://obri.net/att/mail2.html .

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Another email delayed
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2002 12:54:51 GMT
From: "TL" <txxxxz@worldnet.att.nuttinbutnet>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Here is the header from an email to one of my email accounts. It is from a player of one of my online games. She is from England. This is another domain along with AOL which I haven't been getting emails from on a timely matter or at all. This on is nearly 3 days late.
TL  (header from ntlworld.com domain email attached)


-------- Original Message --------
Subject: STILL NO EMAILS=WHEN
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2002 13:58:55 GMT
From: sxxxx3@worldnet.att.net
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

THIS IS GETTING RATHER TIRESOME. PLEASE ADVISE AS TO WHAT IS GOING ON.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: STILL NO EMAILS=WHEN
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2002 14:05:11 GMT
From: AT&T John Oliver <joliver@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

sxxxx3,
The network team continues to work the mail problems to get things resolved as quickly as possible, but I do not have an estimate on when this will be resolved.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: AOL incoming mail is rejected or delayed
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2002 15:14:11 GMT
From: kenxxxx@worldnet.att.net
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Hi, I have also noticed that incoming mail from AOL accounts is bounced back to the AOL user or it's finally delivered days later by AT&T.  Here's an example of a header I got on the AOL side. (bounced aol header attached)

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: AOL incoming mail is rejected or delayed
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2002 15:17:17 GMT
From: AT&T John Oliver <joliver@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

kenxxxx,
Thanks for posting your header information. The network team is currently working issues on delayed or bounced mail from other services and I will pass on your information. I do not have an estimate on when this will be resolved and do apologize for any inconvenience this is causing you.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: More undeliverable mail to me; is anybody fixing this?
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2002 19:34:46 GMT
From: "Judy" <judyxxxx@worldnet.att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Got two of these on you today (headers attached from bounced messages sent to att from swbell domain)

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: E-mail delays and non-delivery
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2002 20:09:44 GMT
From: "Timothy" <timothyxxxx@worldnet.att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

After seeming to be corrected for a couple of days, the same problem is back again - e-mails delayed for hours or not delivered at all! What is going on there?

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: E-mail delays and non-delivery
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2002 20:13:26 GMT
From: AT&T John Oliver <joliver@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Timothy,
The last corrective action did not resolve the issue and the problem continues to be worked by the network folks to get it resolved as quickly as possible. I apologize for the inconvenience this is causing and do not have an estimate on when this will be resolved.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Ridiculous
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2002 22:14:30 GMT
From: davexxxx@att.net
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

I'm within hours of cancelling my AT&T account due to this ridiculous e-mail outage. My job requires that I have e-mail access in my home office, and much of my incoming e-mail comes from AOL, cs and other affected providers.

I understand that technical problems are going to arise, but that is no reason to keep your users in the dark about what is actually happening and what is being done to fix it.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: late and delayed email from AOL
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2002 23:40:58 GMT
From: laurelxxxx@att.net
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

I have had problems receiving email from individuals using AOL off and on for three weeks.  Obviously the current situation is much worse.  I am one of the fortunate users who has alternate email accounts, so this problem does not impact me as seriously as many users.

What is even more disconcerting than this email fiasco, is the deafening silence from AT&T about what is actually occurring.  Politely stating that you do not have the information is insufficient.  It is time to level with your users.  

This appears to be a widespread problem.  I am in Colorado.  I have noted that many complaints are coming from folks in Florida.  We can only assume that your entire system is a mess. 

AT&T owes an explanation to its customers, and it is long overdue!

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: late and delayed email from AOL
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2002 23:53:17 GMT
From: "AT&T Ellen Norberg" <ENorberg@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Laurel,
We are sorry the current email situation continues, share in your frustration and will be very sure management is aware of your keen dissatisfaction in the lack of information made available to it's members.
Thank you.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Bigfoot.com emails blocked
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 00:16:48 GMT
From: mccxxxx@att.net
Organization: AT&T Worldnet
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Bigfoot.com has confirmed for me that all emails to you were blocked starting sometime late 7/31 and started again sometime around 8/6.  What was the issue please?  Are emails that were not delivered lost?

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Bigfoot.com emails blocked
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 00:30:53 GMT
From: AT&T Marie Gonzalez <mgonzalez@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Good evening mccxxxx,
Unfortunately, we have not been given any information as to the nature of the issue, nor any confirmation that it is resolved.  I do not know Bigfoot's policy regarding email retry's, so I cannot say if any email was lost.  If an email reached the retry limit, it should have been returned to the sender as undeliverable.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Bigfoot.com emails blocked
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 02:11:13 GMT
From: mccxxxx@att.net
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

So, you're saying AT&T has no knowledge that email's were blocked?                

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Bigfoot.com emails blocked
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 02:15:41 GMT
From: AT&T Marie Gonzalez <mgonzalez@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Good evening mccxxxx,
I am not sure what you mean.  Worldnet is actively pursuing a resolution to am email problem that caused email to be delayed.  Some emails eventually did get delivered, albeit late.  From posts here, some sending servers did reach the time limit for resends, and emails were returned to the sender.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: ??
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 02:36:26 GMT
From: "Minh xxxx" <sxxxxxo@worldnet.att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

What's the problem?  Why can't you guys tell us what it is that is delaying our mail?  Are you guys pulling a WorldCom/Eron hiding info scandal?  ATT should discount or refund all their customers for such crappy service.  This is RIDICULOUS.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: ??
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 02:38:43 GMT
From: AT&T Marie Gonzalez <mgonzalez@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Good evening Minh,
I am truly sorry this continues for all of us.  We have not been given any details as to what if anything the mail team has found and is working on to get this resolved.  Once we get any information, we will post.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: ??
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 02:52:36 GMT
From: "Minh xxxx" <sxxxxxo@worldnet.att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

I am not buying into that "there's an issue, but we don't know what it is" line.  That's BS.  You guys have working on this for at least a week now. It was supposed solved Friday.  But guess what?  That wasn't true either. Give me some information and take some responsibility/accountability for the problem.  If you guys can't fix it in a reasonable time (I think that has already been answered) bring in outside help.  This truly is ridiculous.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: ??
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 02:56:57 GMT
From: AT&T Marie Gonzalez <mgonzalez@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Good evening Minh,
Unfortunately, I am not one of the mail admins for Worldnet and therefore am at the mercy of the information I am given.
I will pass along your requst for more information to our Mail Liaison and will also make sure that management is aware of your displeasure with this.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Explanation please, ATT?
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 05:44:59 GMT
From: Jay O'Brien <jayobrien@att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

I note that email is now flowing immediately from aol, netscape and speakeasy (the three domains I can check easily that were being blocked by ATT).
-
How about some information, ATT? What happened, what was done, what will be done in the future to prevent a recurrence, why was no information forthcoming during
the service outage?
-
We want answers. Please.
-
Unfortunately, this service failure fits the pattern of the one I experienced in March; no useful information is provided during the outage to those of us who pay for this service.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Explanation please, ATT?
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 11:02:10 GMT
From: AT&T John Oliver <joliver@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Jay,

Thanks for posting your questions, unfortunately I do not have those answers. If this information is made available, we will post it. At this point the issue has not been declared resolved. 

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Explanation please, ATT?
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 10:18:45 GMT
From: "Ingrid the Great!" <ingrid.xxxxx@att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Yo go Jay!  I know you've been repeatedly trying to get an answer to the same question... I jus thought I'd jump on the bandwagon...
 
AT&T... can ya please tell us specifically what domains are currently being impacted with this email issue?
 
I chalked one email not getting to me as a fluke or a temporary server issue.  I guess I shouldn't give AT&T the benefit of the doubt after finding out that several of my emails were returned as undeliverable.  Currently I don't know how many emails were sent back.  And when I checked AT&T's website, I only saw:

Today's Bulletins  - Last update 08/06/02 06:26:44 PM; Email Access - Some AT&T WorldNet members are experiencing slow mail transfer when attempting to send or receive their E-mail. We are currently troubleshooting this issue, and will have this service available again soon. We appreciate your patience, and apologize for any inconvenience. Post 08/06/02 6:30 PM ET

It was only from Jay's 8/5 discussion posting that I found out the email issue affects the following domains since Saturday:

    aol, speakeasy, netscape, swbell, bellsouth, bigfoot and cs

As someone who has worked in computer support, I understand that it is extremely difficult to provide a time line if programmers are still trying to figure out the problem... if they knew what the problem is, then it would be fixed.

However, I would at least expect AT&T to communicate specifically the nature of the problem so as we may at least try to warn our colleagues, family, and friends of the temporary problem.  Do we contact ALL our email contacts of the problem or just ones with certain domains?

If AT&T is expecting us to be patient (as well as remaining a customer), then AT&T needs to feed us some information.   Please tell us specifically which domains are being impacted!

NOTE!!!  Canned responses will be bounced back to AT&T's WURD newsgroup!

Ingrid.

 -------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Explanation please, ATT?
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 11:09:20 GMT
From: AT&T John Oliver <joliver@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Ingrid,

I will have to make an inquiry on the complete list of domains that have been affected. The basic problem is you may see email with delayed delivery times or the recipients may receive bounce messages depending on how long their server tries to deliver the mail before giving up. I understand your desire for information and when it becomes available, we will post it here. 

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Explanation please, ATT?
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 10:34:12 GMT
From: "Ingrid the Great!" <ingrid.xxxxx@att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

One more question... how long has this been going on?  Last Friday, there was the following note from AT&T on this discussion board:

Some Worldnet customers may have experienced delays on receiving email over the last few days, our technical team has found and corrected an issue and we believe it is resolved at this time.

OK... do I need to be concerned that I've been missing emails for over a week?
 
Please don't ask us to be patient until we get some answers... any answers... well, not canned responses.
 
Ingrid.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Explanation please, ATT?
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 11:16:21 GMT
From: AT&T John Oliver <joliver@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Ingrid,
Similar issues and this problem have been worked since 7/25/02. There have been times when these issues were thought to be resolved and the problems have reappeared. I still do not have additional details to provide than the problem continues to be worked.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: I think it is terrorists and AT&T won't admit it
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 16:34:49 GMT
From: "Judy" <judyxxxxx@worldnet.att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

I think it is terrorists and AT&T won't admit it

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: I think it is terrorists and AT&T won't admit it
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 16:38:36 GMT
From: AT&T John Oliver <joliver@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Judy,
Thanks for posting your comments. It is not terrorists, although this does make for interesting speculation on you part. When we get more details on the current email issue, we will post it.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Status of email Problem
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 23:03:46 GMT
From: "Kent" <kxxxx@bigfoot.com>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

What is the status of the email problem?
I have taken some steps to protect my bigfoot email which is annoying and needs to be removed ASAP.
Thanks, Kent

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Status of email Problem
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 23:05:57 GMT
From: AT&T David Alexander <dalexander@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Kent,
The email problem is still being worked. Once it has been corrected we will post to the announce newsgroup and the Service Bulletins area.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Status of email Problem
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 23:18:55 GMT
From: "Kent" <kxxxx@bigfoot.com>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

I cannot help being angry over your reply.

We're going on 2 weeks (at least) with this mess, and AT&T Reps cannot give us any idea of what problems their experiencing, status or expected time to repair.

I will not leave AT&T because I know that behind the scenes technicians responsible for repair are doing their best which is probably better than anyone else.  BUT, it would be nice to have some, even a little bit of technical information past on to us that will help in understanding the problem AT&T is dealing with.

PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS MESSAGE - unless, you can provide information of substance rather than the usual rhetoric.

Kent Wilcox

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: e -mail blocked
Date: Thu, 08 Aug 2002 00:45:42 GMT
From: a.d.xxxx@worldnet.att.net
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

I got email from lotto that they say they send the results everday but I have not been get them. Do you block email or that matter web pages.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: e -mail blocked
Date: Thu, 08 Aug 2002 00:48:18 GMT
From: AT&T Marie Gonzalez <mgonzalez@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Good evening a.d.,
There has been an issue with emails getting delayed that is being worked on by the mail team.  Unfortunately, we do not yet have a time to resolution.
Thanks!

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Explanation please, ATT?
Date: Thu, 08 Aug 2002 15:36:52 GMT
From: "Ingrid the Great!" <ingrid.xxxxx@att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

AT&T John Oliver,
I'm still waiting for the list of domains... this should not take very long to get. I'm jus' looking for a list and not to correct a problem.
Ingrid

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Explanation please, ATT?
Date: Thu, 08 Aug 2002 15:55:41 GMT
From: AT&T John Oliver <joliver@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Ingrid,
 The ones listed by Jay were reported as were yahoo.com, hotmail.com, operamail.com, comcast.com, ntlworld.com, bookzone1.bookzone.com, mindspring.net, miltnews.com, rr.com, prodigy.net, and oklahoma.net.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: worldnet bounced 3 e-mails
Date: Thu, 08 Aug 2002 19:23:16 GMT
From: w.xxxx@att.net
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Recently Worldnet returned three messages friends sent to me.  One was from Gxxxx@aol.com and said "The original message was received at Thu, 1 Aug 2002 16:25:36 -0400 (EDT)from root@localhost

The following address had permanent fatal errors -  <w.xxxx@worldnet.att.net>
-- Transcript of session follows --
<w.xxxx@worldnet.att.net>... Deferred: Connection reset by gateway2.worldnet.att.net.  Message could not be delivered for 1 day Message will be deleted from queue
........
ETC.

Why is this happening? 

If this is not the way to request a personal reply, the Worldnet site needs to be made more user-friendly.  I am an engineer and no dummy....

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: worldnet bounced 3 e-mails
Date: Thu, 08 Aug 2002 19:29:02 GMT
From: AT&T John Oliver <joliver@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

w.xxxx,
There have been issues with delayed or bounced email from other services that is currently being worked.

This is the latest post from the Announcements newsgroup:
WorldNet customers using AT&T WorldNet Email report intermittent problems with delayed or deferred inbound email.  We continue working this issue.  We apologize for this inconvenience, and appreciate your patience. 10:40 am ET 07 Aug 2002
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Email: Delayed or Deferred - Resolved
Date: Fri, 09 Aug 2002 02:33:24 GMT
From: "Ingrid the Great!" <ingrid.xxxxx@att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

I don't see any postings from AT&T on this newsgroup, so I thought tha' I'd pass on the info.
Ingrid the Great!

According to AT&T's service bulletin (http://worldnet.attecc.com/bulletins/index.html): Last update 08/08/02 06:36:30 PM

Email: Delayed or Deferred - Resolved
Customers using AT&T WorldNet Email, may have experienced over the last week intermittent problems with delayed or deferred inbound email. We have identified the cause, and have corrected a software issue. Due to the intermittent nature of the problem some inbound email may have been rejected. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience. Post 8/8/02 6:30 PM ET
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Email: Delayed or Deferred - Resolved
Date: Fri, 09 Aug 2002 02:34:28 GMT
From: AT&T David Alexander <dalexander@attecc.com>
Organization: AT&T Electronic Customer Care
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Thanks. We did post the message to our announce newsgroup as well. news:worldnet.announce

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Email: Delayed or Deferred - Resolved
Date: Sat, 10 Aug 2002 02:04:55 GMT
From: "Ingrid the Great!" <ingrid.xxxxx@att.net>
Newsgroups: worldnet.help.service-issues.mail-server

Why wouldn't you guys post the message in this news group?

Isn't this where the users are trying to find answers to the email server problem?

Ingrid.


 

/end/

click here to jump to the top of this web page