Initially, both of them are free e-mails open to the public, and the major functions of them are similar. They are built to send and receive messages, pictures and videos. Meanwhile, they also share big differences:
First, the scopes are different. NHSmail(www.nhs.net) comprises e-mail, diary and directory systems that target staff members, but not for patients of the NHS. However, the 163mail contains a vast of content.
Second, the history of their background is different. NHSmail(www.nhs.net) was invented in 2006 while 163mail has at least 10-year history since it was set up in 1997.
Third, they have difference in storage. NHSmail(www.nhs.net) initially offered 64Mb of storage. In 2006 it was improved and storage space was therefore enlarged to 200Mb; 163mail owns 512Mb of storage, so it has a comprehensive storage for the users to do whatever they want.
Furtherly, security they guarantee are different. NHSmail has been approved for securely exchanging patient information by the British Medical Association (BMA) and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). However, 163mail has been charged of leaking the imformation of the user.
In addition, the users groups are different too. The NHSmail is usually used by foreigners with a large number. 163mail is the most popular Chinese mailbox, and is widely used both at home and abroad, the using number has excessed 0.23 billion.
Last but not least, the 163mail can be registered through mobile phone.