REDWOOD CITY, Calif., and REDMOND, Wash., May 21, 1997 — @Home Network and Microsoft Corp. today announced that MSN
™
, The Microsoft Network is the first Internet online Premium Service to be marketed to @Home subscribers. MSN will take advantage of @Home’s broadband capabilities to deliver enhanced multimedia content and interactive services at speeds far greater than traditional dial-up modems and ISDN. MSN programming is scheduled to be available to @Home subscribers during the third quarter of 1997 for a flat fee of $6.95 per month; @Home subscribers will have the opportunity to trial MSN free for one month prior to subscribing.*
“We expect Premium Services to demonstrate the true benefits of our broadband service,” said Dave Bagshaw, senior vice president, @Media of @Home Network. “Pairing MSN’s rich content offerings with our distributed network architecture and high-speed service provides added value that will enable us to attract a new category of customers.”
@Home subscribers can select the MSN icon located in @Home’s Premium Services page and choose from a wealth of unique multimedia content, such as MSN original entertainment programming and Essentials services, including the Encarta® multimedia encyclopedia, the Expedia
™
travel service; the CarPoint
™online car buying guide, and Microsoft® Investor online investing service.
“At MSN, we are continually looking for innovative ways to provide consumers with an easy and exciting Internet experience,” said Laura Jennings, vice president of The Microsoft Network. “Our relationship with @Home Network puts MSN at the forefront of cable modem Internet services and content delivery. As more consumers begin to adopt cable modem technology, MSN is poised to become a broadband destination of choice.”
@Home Network uses cable modems and its own network architecture to deliver Internet services at speeds far greater than dial-up telephone modems and ISDN. In addition to speed and reliability, the service helps guide subscribers through a vast array of content found on the Web, and provides them with local news and information, e-mail and chat. Those seeking additional information about availability and subscription information can refer to the @Home Network Web site (http://www.home.net/) or call the @Home Network toll-free number at (888) 405-9200.
Background
Based in Redwood City, Calif., @Home Network distributes high-speed interactive services to residences and businesses using its own network architecture and a variety of transport options including the cable industry’s hybrid-fiber coaxial infrastructure. The cable connection provides users significant increases in speed over conventional Internet
services, and @Home’s network allows for unique content offerings that go beyond current Web experiences.
Since its founding in May 1995, @Home Network has reached affiliate agreements with seven top cable companies in North America, including Tele-Communications Inc., Comcast Corp., Cox Communications, InterMedia Partners, Marcus Cable, Rogers Cablesystems Limited, and Shaw Communications. @Home Network and its cable partners are marketing high-speed
Internet services in Arlington Heights, Ill.; Seattle; Fremont, Calif.; San Diego; Phoenix; Baltimore; Hartford, Conn.; Sarasota, Fla.; Union County, N.J.; and Orange County, Calif.
MSN is the third-largest online service worldwide, offering compelling services, entertainment and communications on the Internet. MSN also provides hundreds of special-interest bulletin boards and such high-quality services and Web shows as the Microsoft Encarta multimedia encyclopedia, the Expedia travel service, Star Trek: Continuum® , the Slate
™
online magazine, the CarPoint online automotive service, the Microsoft Investor online investing service, and up-to-date news and information from MSNBC News. The MSN home page can be reached at (http://www.MSN.com/) .
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
*For users of the Windows®
95 operating system only. One-month trial is available to new members of MSN in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, or Canada only. A credit card is required. MSN premium charges, access charges (if access is purchased from a provider other than MSN), and local phone and/or long distance toll charges may apply. Access availability may be affected by local market network activity and capacity. Offer expires June 30, 1998.
Microsoft, MSN, Encarta, Expedia, CarPoint and Slate are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
@Home Network, @Home and the @ logo are trademarks of @Home Network and may be registered in certain jurisdictions.
StarTrek: Continuum is a registered trademark of Paramount Pictures.
The Microsoft Network is operated by Microsoft Corp. on behalf of Microsoft Network LLC.
Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Note to editors : If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages
