Notice about system requirements to use Bell email

[Randy]

 This must be a scam!  My hardware and software is definitely good enough

[Almira]

Hi, do you have any guidance why I keep getting an error when I try to click on the link to see the system requirements?  I always get an error that says Runtime error: 

Server Error in '/' Application.

I also feel that my workstation is on the latest windows machine and all of my browsers are updated.  Can someone in Bell clarify why some of us are receiving this disturbing email from Bell? Thanks

[Vanadiel]

Official direct link: Direct Link 

If that does not work the issue is somewhere on your end. It's possible scammers are sending out fake e-mails, but nobody has mentioned that yet on this board. But it would not surprise me if they are.

[Alix]

Received email from Bell to upgrade my Sympatico email to a new system

Not sure if this is a legitimate email or suspicious. I just want to double check before I proceed with the email upgrade.

Any feedback is appreciated 

[WelshTerrier]

As of April 30th 2024 minimum system requirements for browsers, desktop and mobile operating systems will be required in order to continue sending and receiving emails from your bell.net or sympatico.ca email addresses.

You can check out these requirements on the following web link for complete details: Bell.ca/webbrowsers .

Thank you contacting the Bell Community Forum.

Take care.

[mixedup]

This is not helpful. My systems are all completely up to date (Apple OS, iOS). I received this email.

Given my Sympatico email address was the main thing keeping me with Bell internet, if I can no longer access my sympatico mail, it will be the push I need to move elsewhere.  Very frustrating.

[WelshTerrier]

Good Day!

If your systems are up to date, then do not fret. The purpose behind the notification is not to remove your email address. For those who are experiencing issues in accessing their email account, this may be one of the underlining factors & causes.

I will leave that with you. My earlier reply was intended to explain the message received by the recipient in their email, nothing more & nothing less.

Thank you for input.

Take care.

[Doug]

I know not to shoot the messenger BUT, if this email is legit, why are they sending it out to ALL Sympatico users? The "Our records indicate that you are accessing your Bell email from a device with an older browser...." is total Bell incompetence's not knowing how to do anything right.  They should not tell EVERYONE that THEIR system is out of date.  They SHOULD have just said, things are changing so check here to see if you need to upgrade.  Bell always has been totally out to lunch and this is a prime example.  Now I have to explain to all of my seniors that I try to help navigating computers etc to ignore this ALARMIST message that is totally irrelevant, alarmist, misdirected and typical Bell. 

[BGLEV]

I have to agree with the sentiment here. I know you are trying to help and we appreciate that. Considering so many people who have the proper knowledge of their OS are convinced the message is a scam and it’s now  people who have less tech savvy family members that are dealing with this their is an issue. A  Bell employee needs to reply to this. 

Bell sent a message to users clearly indicating specific users had incompatible software. As if they know that it won’t work. But that seems to be wrong. It’s as if the people working at bell have no concept of  vocabulary and what sentences mean.

Our records indicate you are accessing Bell email from a device with older browser or OS.  
seems pretty clear they are saying the recipient of the message will not receive emails after April 30th. 

I think they have zero concern or understanding that this is causing a huge amount of stress for seniors citizens who have remained loyal to bell for decades because they trust them. 
So they leave it up to family or friends to explain that this message does not apply to them. Not to mention the stress they have just trying to figure out what an operating system is and what version it is. 

They need to think about their customers. 

Will a bell employee who can affect change actually respond?  Hopefully. Because customers like me are still trying to calm down my in-laws who are dreading missing important emails starting in May. 

[Trailblazer]

I have been dealing with Bell regarding this email since March 8, 2024.  I am currently on my second manager.

Just to help out a bit, this email has originated from Bell.  I sent the email to phish@Bell.ca (as directed by the frontline help desk at 310-BELL).  They replied (via abuse@bell.ca):

The email message provided is from Bell regarding email security requirements. This message is not considered phishing.

For more information on Bell email & supported browsers and operating systems please visit:

https://support.bell.ca/internet/email/how-to-use-bell-mail?step=6#step6

Regards,

Like some individuals in this forum, I too am maintaining computer systems that are owned by elderly users who don't know what to do.  As of the writing of this email, I have not received the answer to the question: Where am I deficient?

As I stated, I am currently discussing this with a second manager within Bell.  If I find anything out, I will surely post it here.

[Vanadiel]

That link will have the software requirements for using Bell e-mail. Without knowing what your current software setup and access software is, it's difficult to answer the question.

[Trailblazer]

Vanadiel.

Yes, I am aware that the system requirements are listed on the Bell site.  All of the systems that I own/maintain surpass the minimum requirements.  Myself, I have 2 Win 10 machines and an older smartphone with Android 6.  All of my browsers are up to date.  As you can see, I surpass the minimum requirements.

As I mentioned, I have been dealing with Bell since March 8 on this exact issue.  All I want to know is what I am deficient in as far as the requirements for email.  As someone has pointed out in this forum and I have pointed out multiple times to Bell is that the email states 'Our records indicate...'.  I have pointedly asked numerous times what their records show for me when I access email.

I am now discussing the issue with a second manager and have no answers to date.  Hopefully soon.

[Vanadiel]

I honestly doubt you are going to get any kind of answer that would explain it.

It seems to me that there's no clear direct explanation for the message and what is "in the records".

I would say, if you know you surpass the minimum requirements there's no reason to expect it not to work after April 30th, 2024.

[Trailblazer]

I would agree.  I am holding their feet to the fire.  I suspect that this was sent to all Bell email customers and is probably poorly worded.  But no one has implied/admitted that in my numerous conversations with Bell employees.

As much as it pains me (28 days and counting), I may not get the answer that I am looking for.  We will see what this particular manager can find out.

What is disturbing is that if I were a small business and received this email, Bell is of no help.  As it is, I have several elderly individuals that look to me for help and all I can say is we will see....That is not really a good way to operate.

I will update this forum on my progress with this particular item as more information come forth (if it comes forth... 😉 ).

[BGLEV]

Thanks for the info.

Just to clarify for you the issue for most of us is we have met the requirements (or as many of us are dealing with- our older relatives meet the requirements) but the message says they are not met.

This is the problem. We have relatives in a panic and bell has sent an unnecessary or inaccurate message.   Bell does not seem to be aware of the problems and anxiety it has caused and no one there seems to be able to explain why it was sent to users who seem to meet the necessary requirements. 

What Bell needs to do is explain how they determine who has what software/operating systems or explain to everyone that the message was a general statement, not specifically meant for them 

[Vanadiel]

I understand. I am not getting it either because it's listing Android 5 and higher as a browser rather than an Operating System.