How to resolve email throttling issues with Spectrum/TWC?
Summary
What email marketers say12Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Reddit suggests throttling can be due to the recipient server limiting the number of connections or emails it accepts from a particular IP address within a given time frame. They advise monitoring the specific error codes returned in bounce messages to identify the cause and adjust sending practices accordingly.
Email marketer from ExpertSender recommends configuring SPF/DKIM/DMARC records, implement a double opt-in sign-up process, and provide clear unsubscribe links in your emails. These measures improve sender reputation and reduce the likelihood of being throttled.
Email marketer from Neil Patel Blog explains to improve deliverability, focus on building a clean email list, segmenting your audience, warming up your IP address, authenticating your email (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and monitoring your sender reputation.
Email marketer from Email on Acid suggests using throttling software that analyses delivery in real-time. It also recommends using dedicated IP address.
Email marketer from SendGrid recommends a gradual IP warm-up process, starting with small sending volumes and gradually increasing them over time. They suggest monitoring engagement metrics and adjusting sending volumes based on feedback from ISPs.
Marketer from Email Geeks suggests contacting CloudMark, which Charter Communications uses to protect its clients, for troubleshooting.
Email marketer from StackOverflow says that the receiving mail server will throttle connections from any single IP Address to prevent being overloaded with mail. Brad suggests you should spread your email over multiple IP Addresses.
Marketer from Email Geeks shares information about AUP#13XX codes, stating they are from Cloudmark (Charter Communications), not Comcast, and indicate rate limits, not reputation issues. Spectrum wants emails delivered slowly.
Email marketer from Mailjet Help Center explains that throttling is ISPs limiting the number of emails they will accept from a specific sender within a specific timeframe. He suggests warming up IP addresses gradually and segmenting email lists to send to smaller groups first.
Email marketer from Litmus shares focusing on segmenting your email list and staggering sends can help avoid triggering throttling mechanisms. They explain list segmentation and staggering allows for the same amount of mail to be sent but makes it seem like lower volumes to mail service providers, reducing spam scores.
Email marketer from StackExchange explains that rate limiting is a common practice by ISPs to prevent spam. He suggests monitoring bounce messages for specific error codes and adjusting sending volume accordingly.
Marketer from Email Geeks shares that even their own emails (working for a Spectrum business unit) have trouble being delivered to their clients.
What the experts say3Expert opinions
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that diagnosing connection throttling issues requires gathering detailed data, including timestamps, target IP addresses, and error messages. He also explains that understanding how your mail-sending system is configured is important, and knowing the specific type of throttle being imposed can help you resolve it.
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that when experiencing throttling, it is important to look at the error message returned. These error messages will usually include information relating to why you have been throttled, such as "exceeded maximum connection limit".
Expert from Spam Resource explains throttling is often a symptom of reputation problems. Poor list hygiene or questionable sending practices can lead to reduced sending limits. Improving sender reputation through best practices will alleviate throttling.
What the documentation says5Technical articles
Documentation from Microsoft Learn states that Exchange Online implements sending limits to protect against spam and maintain system health. These limits include recipient rate limits, sending limits, and message size restrictions. Exceeding these limits can result in temporary or permanent sending restrictions.
Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help advises bulk email senders to adhere to their bulk sending guidelines, which include authenticating email with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, maintaining low spam complaint rates, and providing easy unsubscribe options. They also recommend monitoring bounce messages for specific error codes.
Documentation from AWS states that Amazon SES (Simple Email Service) has sending limits, including a maximum send rate and a daily sending quota. These limits are in place to protect the reputation of the service and prevent abuse. Requests to increase these limits can be made through the AWS Management Console.
Documentation from Message Systems describes how PowerMTA handles throttling by allowing administrators to configure concurrency and retry settings. It recommends adjusting these parameters based on the specific error codes and feedback received from ISPs.
Documentation from RFC Editor specifies that SMTP servers may implement rate limiting based on various factors, including sender IP address, domain, and message content, to manage server load and prevent abuse. SMTP clients must be prepared to handle temporary rejection codes and retry delivery later.