O2 confirms plans to shut down O2.ie email service

In a statement, the country's second-largest mobile operator said it is advising users of the O2.ie email service to set up an account with a new email provider.

It has also assured users that no user data from the mailboxes will be lost as a result of the recent technical issues.

The company said: "O2 can confirm that its O2.ie email service has been experiencing frequent service disruptions since the end of January. The service, which is free, is used by approximately 16,000 customers (which is 1pc of O2's total customer base).

“O2 has been working to resolve the technical issues which have been causing the disruptions as a matter of urgency. However, the technology platform on which the email service is based has become outdated and it is our view that the quality of service it provides is no longer of a high enough standard for our customers.

“Regrettably, we have taken the decision to discontinue the service, effective from 21 March 2012.

“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this will cause to affected customers, who we are in the process of contacting directly.

“We are advising O2.ie email users to set up a new address with another email service provider as soon as possible and to transfer any information they wish to keep to their new accounts. It is likely that there will be ongoing service disruptions in advance of this date, however, we will undertake best endeavours to ensure stability of service during this time.

“O2 would like to clarify that no customer data from mailboxes will be lost as a result of the recent service disruption," the operator stated.

John Kennedy | |