PlusNet subscribers are to receive an improved e-mail service, following the ISP's new partnership deal with communications security firm Postini.

Thanks to a free service upgrade, it is hoped that the broadband provider's 200,000 customers will now enjoy a more secure service and will receive fewer junk e-mail messages.

Customers will also be able to apply blacklists to selected e-mail addresses and will be able to quarantine suspicious messages.

Neil Laycock, chief executive officer of PlusNet said: "Our decision to team up with Postini is driven by our commitment to offer our customers the best possible broadband. Postini’s record with email security speaks for itself and we are proud to be associated with them.

"This is the first of many partnerships for PlusNet with leading industry experts. We plan to lead the way in broadband expertise, and team up with partners who can add complimentary best-of-breed services for our customers."

Following a two-month trial, the upgrade will be rolled out in January 2008.