July 2nd, 2025
Over the past few years, many traditional web hosting companies have quietly pulled back on a service that used to be standard: email hosting. In many cases, they've dropped it altogether - or worse, they still offer it, but it's barely functional.
Customers are increasingly being told to move their business email to third-party platforms like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace - even if they never asked for it.
Why Are Hosting Companies Dropping Email?
Here's why so many hosting providers are walking away from email - or delivering such poor service that customers have no choice but to leave:
- Rising Complexity and Support Costs
Modern email isn't simple. To deliver messages reliably, you need proper DNS records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), clean IPs, secured ports, spam filtering, antivirus scanning, and more. Most hosts don't have the time or expertise to manage that at scale. - Deliverability Nightmares
Even when email hosting is offered, messages often land in spam folders or don't arrive at all. Blacklisted IPs and poor server configurations are a common issue, leaving businesses in the dark. - No Real Spam Protection
On the flip side, incoming spam floods inboxes because many providers use outdated or ineffective filters. That means users are constantly digging through junk mail - or worse, missing real messages. - Outsourcing for Profit
Rather than invest in fixing their email infrastructure, many hosts push customers to services like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. This reduces their internal support load and earns them affiliate revenue - but it increases your costs and complexity.
Why This Hurts You as a Customer
Let's be honest: this isn't a win for you.
- Higher Monthly Costs
Instead of bundled email, you now need to pay for third-party licenses. Microsoft 365, for example, can cost $6–$12 per user per month - not ideal for growing teams or small businesses. - Fragmented Management
Your website is hosted one place, your email somewhere else, and your DNS who-knows-where. When something breaks, it's hard to even know who to call. - Loss of Control
You're locked into large corporate ecosystems that may not offer the flexibility or direct support you need. - Privacy Concerns
Using third-party platforms like Microsoft or Google means trusting tech giants with full access to your email data. Even if encrypted in transit, metadata and message contents may be scanned for analytics, compliance, or advertising profiling. Studies show Google still scans emails for ad targeting, and Microsoft has participated in government surveillance programs in the past.
Sectorlink Offers a Better Alternative
At Sectorlink, we believe web hosting should still mean full-service - including reliable, professional-grade email.
That's why our Cloud Web Hosting plans now come with SmarterMail, a powerful enterprise-class email platform that offers:
- Robust Spam and Virus Protection
Advanced filtering tools keep your inbox clean and your data safe. - Excellent Deliverability
Our infrastructure is properly configured to ensure your messages actually reach your recipients - not their spam folder. - Webmail and Mobile Sync
Access your email from anywhere with modern webmail, or sync with Outlook, Apple Mail, iOS, and Android. - No Hidden Costs
Email is included with your hosting plan - no need to buy separate accounts or subscriptions. - Centralized Management
Host your website, domain, and email in one place, with a single support team who actually understands your setup. - Data Privacy
Your emails stay on secure, U.S.-based servers - never mined or monetized by third parties.
The Bottom Line
Most hosting companies are walking away from email - or offering just enough to check a box, with spam-filled inboxes and constant deliverability headaches.
Sectorlink is doing the opposite. We're investing in a smarter, more reliable email experience that keeps your business communications in your control - not outsourced to a third-party mega-provider.
Ready to simplify your hosting and email?
Explore Sectorlink's Cloud Web Hosting with SmarterMail and get everything you need, all in one place - without the hassle or hidden fees.
Further Reading
- Why Every Domain That Sends Email Needs DMARC - Learn more about authentication protocols that prevent spoofing and improve deliverability.
- Has Your Hosting Company Sold Out? - Discover why many hosts prioritize profit over performance and how to choose a provider that puts you first.