Outgoing/SMTP Policy
Understanding RamNode's email sending policies and available options for your Cloud VPS.
Zero-Tolerance SPAM Policy
RamNode has a zero-tolerance policy for SPAM, and we do not allow customers to use our service to send any sort of bulk email, regardless of whether it is solicited or commercial in nature.
SMTP Port 25 Restrictions
SMTP Port 25 is blocked by default in some regions starting December 1, 2023, and will extend to all regions by December 1, 2026.
This has become necessary due to ongoing issues with abuse, which over time cause the reputation of our IP space to decline and affect other subscribers on our networks. Blocking SMTP traffic has become standard practice for Cloud providers, and is our next step in preventing abuse.
Email Sending Options
If you have a legitimate need to send email from your Cloud instance, you have the following options:
Option 1: Use an SMTP Relay
For transactional emails, an SMTP relay is the best option for ensuring email deliverability, and is ideal for mailing lists. These are usually configured in your MTA (like Exim or Postfix) as a smarthost.
Recommended providers:
Option 2: Use an Email Provider
Email providers essentially provide online mail services for your day-to-day email activities. You'll usually set up your email accounts with the provider and use them for sending and receiving email with local or web-based mail clients, or to provide SMTP authentication for use in applications.
Recommended providers:
- MXRoute
- Google Workspace, Yahoo! Mail, Office 365
- ProtonMail
Option 3: Request an Exception
In some situations we are willing to lift the port restriction on the server to allow a customer to send mail, however, we consider these requests on a case-by-case basis.
If you request an exception, please open a Support ticket to provide an explanation for your need to send mail, and describe your intended mailing activities.
Note: Customers granted an exception are still expected to abide by our SMTP Usage Policy. If we find abnormal SMTP traffic originating from your instance, the port block may be reinstated and/or your instance(s) suspended.