Is the Amstrad em@iler being neutered?

Mike Rouse reports on a communication from Amstrad:

'Dear Amstrad e-m@iler user

We are sorry to advise that as a result of operational changes we are no longer able to provide the full e-m@ailer service and therefore a number of the features of your e-m@ailer unit will cease to function.

All units will receive a configuration change between 30th June 2011 and 14th July 2011 which will mean that the following features (if present on the model of e-m@ailer you own) will no longer be available after this configuration change has taken place:

- Email (Please note that you will still be able to access and view any emails stored on the e-m@ailer prior to the end date.)

...'

Is this for real? The Amstrad e-m@iler was an odd business model especially as internet access became cheaper and more ubiquitous. I do like the idea that whilst you will not be able to send or receive emails at least you will be able to look at old stored emails. There are other service changes, detailed in the report.