2008年9月,Windows Live Hotmail Plus(每年19.95美元)服务启动了POP3访问(pop.live.com:995),而今年,世界上最大的免费邮箱服务Hotmail很有可能开始向所有用户提供POP3.
微软帮助网站windowslivehelp.com已经在不显眼的地方透露了相关的免费服务计划,原文如下:Yes, cebcubs, there is a plan on releasing POP3 to free Hotmail account users. However, we still do not have a definite date on when this will happen. We'll keep everyone posted once the feature becomes available.
作为Hotmail的最大对手,Google的GMail以及Google Apps早已启动了加密的POP3访问.