John....
These things are a PITA sometimes, I mean how difficult is it for them to allow a new email address?
I must say that I never go to my ISP for an email address, it is too much hassle should I ever leave........
I wish that I had asked earlier but have you considered one of the more reliable free email providers e.g. Gmail or GMX, say?
https://accounts.google.com/ or http://www.gmx.co.uk/
Also, have you been able to transfer your contacts list or do you keep them in an address file on your computer?