In today’s digital world, having a secure, reliable means of communication is crucial, especially when dealing with sensitive matters such as legal or official documents. One such solution is Posta Certificata, also known as certified email. But what is it, and why should you consider using it?
Posta Certificata (PEC) is an Italian service that allows individuals and businesses to communicate with public administrations and other entities through legally recognized, secure emails. This system ensures that your messages have the same legal standing as a registered letter with return receipt, making it perfect for handling important transactions and legal matters.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different PEC services available, their costs, features, and how to choose the best service for your needs.
What is Posta Certificata (PEC)?
Posta Certificata, or PEC, is essentially a certified email service that provides the sender with legal proof of sending and delivery. It’s a widely used service in Italy for secure communication with public administrations, businesses, and professionals. Whether you’re sending important business documents or interacting with government institutions, PEC offers legal certification that an email has been sent and received.
How Does PEC Work?
PEC operates similarly to standard email systems, but with added legal security. When you send a message via PEC, the service provides you with two receipts: one confirming the message was sent and another confirming it was delivered. These receipts act as legal proof in case of disputes, offering both the sender and the recipient peace of mind.
Why You Need PEC
If you frequently communicate with government agencies or need to exchange sensitive documents securely, having PEC is essential. It guarantees the safe delivery of your emails and provides legal certification of both sending and receipt.
Migliori Servizi di Posta Certificata a Pagamento
When choosing a PEC provider, it’s essential to consider factors such as storage capacity, additional features, and cost. Below, we’ll dive into some of the most popular paid PEC services available in Italy.
Posta Certificata Aruba
Aruba is a well-known provider offering a range of services, including hosting, digital signatures, and PEC. The platform PEC.it provides multiple subscription plans, each with its features:
- PEC Standard: Includes a basic mailbox on the @pec.it domain, spam protection, and the ability to view electronic invoices. Costs €9.90/year + VAT, but first-year discounts apply.
- PEC Pro: Offers a 2 GB mailbox with added security, SMS notifications, and user delegation for €25/year + VAT.
- PEC Premium: Expands the mailbox to 8 GB with increased security for €40/year + VAT.
Aruba’s PEC can be accessed via webmail, email clients, or their dedicated mobile app.
Posta Certificata Poste Italiane
Poste Italiane offers PEC through their Postecertifica service, designed for both individuals and professionals. They offer three main plans:
- Postecertifica: A 2 GB mailbox with electronic invoice integration and 200 certified sends per day for €7/year.
- Postecertifica PLUS: Adds a 3 GB security archive and 500 daily sends for €25/year.
- Postecertifica TOP: Increases storage to 3 GB and daily sends to 1000 for €40/year.
Posta Certificata Legalmail
Legalmail by InfoCert is ideal for users who want to try PEC before committing. They offer a free Legalmail Silver plan for six months, after which users can choose to renew or switch to a paid plan.
- Legalmail Silver: Includes a 5 GB mailbox, unlimited certified sends, SMS notifications, and a 6 GB security archive.
- Legalmail Bronze: A more affordable option at €27/year + VAT, offering a smaller mailbox with limited features.
- Legalmail Gold: Provides premium features for €80/year + VAT, including additional storage and certified sends.
Legalmail’s PEC can be accessed through webmail or configured with email clients via IMAP settings.
Migliori Servizi di Posta Certificata Gratis
For users who primarily need to receive messages rather than send them, free PEC services may be more suitable. Here are some of the best free PEC services available in Italy.
Namirial SpidMail
Namirial offers a free PEC service called SpidMail. It allows users to receive an unlimited number of certified emails, but sending messages is charged separately.
- SpidMail: Free for receiving emails, with send costs starting at €1.99 per message. Users must have an SPID (Italian Digital Identity) to register.
SuperPEC
SuperPEC by Intesi Group is another free service that allows unlimited email reception, with sending charged per message. It’s ideal for users who need a PEC primarily for receiving important communications.
- SuperPEC: Offers a free mailbox with receiving capabilities, with sending costs starting at €1.97 per message.
How to Choose the Right PEC Service
When deciding which PEC service to use, consider the following:
- Storage Needs: If you need to send or receive a lot of messages, choose a plan with ample storage.
- Sending Limits: Different plans offer various sending limits, from a few hundred to thousands of certified sends per day.
- Budget: Consider whether you need a free plan or are willing to invest in a more robust service with added features like SMS notifications and expanded storage.
- Additional Features: Look for extras like spam protection, integration with invoice systems, and user delegation.
Benefits of Using PEC
Using PEC comes with several advantages, including:
- Legal Security: With PEC, you have legal proof of both sending and receiving messages, which is crucial for businesses and legal matters.
- Efficient Communication: It streamlines communication with public administrations and businesses, saving time compared to traditional mail.
- Cost-Effective: For businesses, using PEC can reduce costs associated with mailing important documents.
Setting Up Your PEC
Setting up a PEC account is straightforward. Simply visit the website of your chosen provider, select the plan that suits your needs, and follow the registration process. Once activated, you can access your PEC through webmail, mobile apps, or email clients by configuring the appropriate IMAP or POP3 settings.
Is PEC Mandatory?
For businesses and professionals in Italy, having a PEC is mandatory. Since 2013, all companies, including sole proprietorships, are required to register a PEC address with the business registry. This ensures that all official communications, such as tax filings and legal notices, are sent through a secure and verifiable medium.
PEC and SPID: What’s the Connection?
SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale) is a digital identity system in Italy that allows users to access online services provided by public administrations. Some PEC providers, like Namirial, require users to have an SPID to activate their PEC account. If you don’t already have an SPID, you can obtain one through various providers in Italy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Posta Certificata (PEC) is an indispensable tool for anyone needing secure, legally certified communication in Italy. Whether you’re a business, a professional, or an individual dealing with public administrations, PEC ensures that your emails are legally binding and secure. With a range of paid and free services available, there’s a PEC solution for everyone.
FAQs
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What is the difference between PEC and regular email?
PEC provides legal certification of sending and receipt, making it more secure for official communications than regular email.
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Is PEC mandatory for businesses in Italy?
Yes, since 2013, all businesses in Italy must register a PEC address with the business registry.
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Can I use PEC for personal communications?
Yes, individuals can use PEC for personal or professional reasons, but it’s primarily designed for official communications.
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How much does PEC cost?
PEC services vary in cost depending on the provider and features, with plans starting at around €7/year for basic services.
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Can I try PEC for free?
Yes, some providers, like Legalmail and Namirial, offer free trials or limited free services.
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What is the legal status of a PEC message?
A PEC message is legally equivalent to a registered letter with return receipt, making it suitable for official and legal communications.
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How can I send a PEC message?
After registering for a PEC account, you can send messages through webmail, mobile apps, or configured email clients.
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Can I use my regular email to receive PEC messages?
No, PEC messages can only be sent and received between certified PEC addresses.