Access POP3 Email but NOT internet

[SW-PDR]

Hi there,

I have a basic pay as you go mobile for calls/texts. I now have the need to access a pop3 email account via the phone. In order to do this I will need to purchase a new device, however could someone please confirm if it is possible for me to setup access to this POP3 email account but to BLOCK internet access. The device will be used by several people so I need to ensure that only email can be accessed, no other data usage.

Thanks in advance,

Simon

[BandOfBrothers]

Hi,

Which phone model are you thinking of using ?

I ask because for example iPhones have parental restriction settings in them as one example. 

[SW-PDR]

Thanks for the answers - I was half expecting a "no". haha.

With regards to the device, I am not sure, the simplest device we could get away with.

My other option would be an email to SMS service - any ideas on one of those, if such a thing exists?!

In a nutshell I have a CCTV system with numberplate recognition and I want to be able to notify my Security team if a blacklisted plate enters the site. The system can do this via email so I need a way for them to receive this on the work phone (as they could be anywhere on a 320 acre site), without all the associated issues of them being able to access the internet on the device!

[jeffkinn]

There are software solutions that allow email and SMS to interact, but they are quite specialist solutions and Google will turn up a few of them.

I would also talk to your security company - they might have an idea.

It's almost like you need a pager type service rather than a phone.

[SW-PDR]

Thanks... Will do some research. We already carry a mobile phone, lone worker alarm and patrol recorder so don't really want a 3rd bit of kit if we can avoid it.

We can set it to trigger an alarm output so it might work easier just to add a dialer which will just hook up to our current phone line and give us a call with an automated message telling us to check the system.

I'll have a look at what other options there may be. I thought blocking web/app access to the internet would have been easier to be fair. Might have a look at some Android parental control apps, see what's on offer.

[Annie_N]

There are assorted non-standard uses for which people report using PAYG SIMs - none of them seem entirely trouble-free, largely because they involve patterns of use which are a long way from the envisaged patterns for a mobile phone.

If you have the option to trigger an alarm output, and can tack on an auto-dialler, I'd think that would be the best.

If you end up going down any route involving a SIM, make sure that you have things well sorted before you embed it within a system where it won't be readily accessible - things like setting up an online account, adding an alternative number to which security codes can be sent, adding security PINs / memorable phrases to the account. Do all this sort of thing with the SIM in a phone; otherwise, adding credit, or seeking CS help if there's a problem, can turn into a considerable nightmare.

[jeffkinn]

In a word no. Email is an internet based service and thus you cannot block the internet and have email capability at the same time. I can't even think of a device that would allow you to do this.