Today I had to call Verizon FiOS for some tech support. During the call the agent mentioned that Verizon is leaving the email business and they will soon shut down their "verizon.net" email domain. Us customers are given two options. One is we can keep our "verizon.net" email addresses but they will be operated by AOL (which doesn't thrill me very much),. Apparently VZ decided to outsource it's email domain to AOL. The other option is to migrate to another email provider of my own choice. This will be my preferred option although it will mean that I will have to notify people of my email address change. It's a Verizon sort of thing, they seem to enjoy cutting out services except for phone, internet, and TV services.

In the meantime does anyone know a good email provider that is reliable and flexible (i.e. POP, imap, encryption, etc.). ?