connection to server failed on iphone 4s

This week there were a lot of problems with the outlook mail through Microsoft.  Everything through work started working again, but I have been having issues with my iPhone 4S (slow sync time).  This morning I started getting an error message Cannot get mail the connection to the server failed.  I called AT & T, they could not help, I called the Apple Geniuses, they could not help and suggested I contact Hotmail (Outlook) for help.  Since there is no way to speak to a person, this forum is my only option.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Thanks.