REDMOND, Wash., Feb. 9, 2000 — Microsoft Corp. has begun to provide immediate consumer benefits resulting from its alliance with RadioShack by announcing compelling rebates on personal computers and other merchandise when those purchases are combined with a subscription to MSN TM Internet Access. In addition, MSN has announced a program with Compaq Computer Corp. to apply rebates toward Presario computers purchased in participating RadioShack stores and other retail outlets. Consumers who sign up for a 36-month contract with MSN Internet Access may receive a $400 rebate to apply toward the purchase of RadioShack products.* Consumers will be able to sign up for MSN Internet Access in up to 5,000 participating RadioShack locations across the nation. This offer helps propel the MSN vision of the Everyday Web by enabling millions of Americans who shop at RadioShack to get connected to the Internet.
Microsoft has received an outstanding response to its existing Internet access rebate program, since the program’s debut in May 1999. In addition, over 97 percent of consumers who signed up for the offer have selected the 36-month option.
“This promotion is the first realization of our relationship with RadioShack, and we are delighted to provide such a high-value offer to RadioShack’s customers nationwide,”
said Deanna Sanford, lead product manager for MSN in the Consumer Group at Microsoft.
“This program allows consumers to experience the outstanding services provided by MSN and buy a new Compaq Presario computer if they choose.”
RadioShack Brings MSN Internet Access to Everyone
The Microsoft-RadioShack offer will help to accelerate the adoption of the Internet. MSN Internet Access is a great way for consumers to get connected and experience the best of the Web and will be available at participating RadioShack stores across the country.
“We’re thrilled to be taking the first step in our strategic alliance with Microsoft and believe that our customers will find MSN to be an easy and affordable way to get connected to the Internet,”
said David Edmondson, senior vice president, Tandy Corp. and executive vice president and chief operating officer at RadioShack.
“We expect this promotion to be well-received by RadioShack customers. They will gain an extremely affordable Internet service through MSN that is easily accessible and immediately understandable.”
The next phase of the Microsoft-RadioShack alliance is scheduled for the third quarter of 2000, when the Microsoft
“store within a store”
inside RadioShack will be unveiled. It will showcase a broad range of solutions and services based on Microsoft technologies, including WebTV Network TM services, MSN Mobile Service and Microsoft home networking solutions. Customers will be able to sign up for narrowband or broadband MSN Internet services and will have access to a version of MSN co-branded with RadioShack.
About MSN Internet Access
MSN Internet Access works with Microsoft® Windows® 95 or Windows 98 operating system-based PCs to provide a fast, reliable Internet connection so users can make the most of their time online. At the heart of MSN Internet Access is Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 browser software. This powerful software delivers a cleaner, more intuitive interface that allows users to spend less time figuring out how to use the Internet and more time getting things done online. MSN Internet Access offers award-winning e-mail functionality with Microsoft Outlook® Express messaging and collaboration client, local phone numbers across the United States, 24×7 toll-free technical support, and a customizable home page. Customers can order a free** one-month trial of MSN Internet Access by visiting http://free.MSN.com/ or by calling (800) FREE-MSN (373-3676).
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software – any time, any place and on any device.
*Certain offer restrictions apply. See store for complete details.
**Details of the MSN Internet Access offer: For users of Windows 95 or Windows 98 operating systems only. User must also subscribe to MSN Internet Access in accordance with its member agreement to access the service. One-month trial offer is only available to new members in the 50 United States and the District of Columbia. A major credit card is required. After the trial period, the current price for the MSN Standard Unlimited Access Plan will be automatically charged to user’s credit card until they cancel their account or select an alternative plan. MSN is available only for personal noncommercial use. Additional phone and/or long-distance toll charges may apply. It is the customers’ responsibility to check with their phone company to determine if additional phone charges may apply. Local Market Network activity and capacity may affect access availability.
Microsoft, MSN, WebTV Network, Windows and Outlook are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products 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 at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. For more information about the MSN Internet Access-Compaq rebate program, please visit http://www.compaq.com/athome/promo/MSNiSaveRebate/ .
