NEW YORK, Sept. 27, 2000 — RadioShack Corp. and Microsoft Corp. today announced they have completed a milestone in their strategic alliance that is designed to accelerate the adoption of Web technologies and consumer connections to the Internet. Through the Microsoft® Internet Center, RadioShack is the first retailer to provide an easy, no-hassle way for consumers to learn about and experience broadband as well as subscribe to a variety of MSN® Internet Access solutions including MSN HighSpeed, the new broadband offering from MSN – all in one place at its newest store-within-a-store.
“Microsoft and RadioShack share a vision of helping people integrate technology into their homes,”
said Leonard Roberts, chairman, president and CEO of RadioShack.
“The ability to demonstrate broadband in our stores and show customers end-to-end connectivity solutions with Microsoft technology allows us to strengthen our customer acquisition strategy and leads us closer to becoming America’s Home Connectivity Store.”
“Our strong alliance with RadioShack is an important first step in our comprehensive broadband offering, making it easy for consumers to learn about, try and sign up for MSN as their home on the Web,”
said Rick Belluzzo, group vice president of the Personal Services and Devices Group at Microsoft.
“The Microsoft Internet Centers @ RadioShack will enable millions of people each day to experience firsthand the value of MSN services.”
As a one-stop resource for all things Internet, the Microsoft Internet Centers @ RadioShack will provide consumers with the opportunity to try before they buy a broad range of Microsoft technologies including MSN HighSpeed. The new MSN HighSpeed service enhances consumers’ time online by providing easy and fast access to the Internet. It includes new Web software for MSN, MSN Explorer, fast and reliable connections to the Internet, and easy ISP migration tools.
This new store-within-a-store is currently in 5,800 RadioShack stores, and more than half of those are already connected to the World Wide Web via digital subscriber line (DSL) or two-way satellite. The remaining stores will be connected by the end of this year. RadioShack’s sales associates will provide guidance and help educate consumers about what the Internet and related technologies have to offer. Together with certified installation professionals, RadioShack will help ensure a great start-to-finish experience for consumers using MSN.
At the Microsoft Internet Centers @ RadioShack, consumers can experience demonstrations and order MSN HighSpeed Internet Access via DSL from NorthPoint Communications Group Inc. RadioShack will also begin selling MSN HighSpeed to be delivered via two-way satellite from StarBand Communications Inc. starting in November. Consumer benefits of MSN HighSpeed include a fast and always-on connection, hassle-free installation and service, and a great value for high-speed Internet access. All the benefits of MSN HighSpeed cost as much as a regular dial-up Internet service and a second phone line. MSN dial-up Internet access will continue to be demonstrated and offered as well.
Internet technologies such as MSN mobile solutions, Microsoft WebTV® services, Windows® CE operating system-based handheld devices and Microsoft home networking solutions will also be showcased at the Microsoft Internet Center. In addition, other Internet devices from RadioShack partners, including the RCA Lyra and digital camera and Compaq iPAQ products, will be available.
About RadioShack
RadioShack (NYSE
“RSH”
) is the nation’s largest and most trusted consumer electronics retailer and offers both online and offline shopping convenience. With more than 7,100 stores and dealers, RadioShack sells more wireless telephones, telecommunications products and electronics parts and accessories than any other retailer. It is estimated that 94 percent of Americans live or work within five minutes of a RadioShack store or dealer. More information is available on the RadioShack Web site at http://www.RadioShack.com/.
About MSN
MSN is an integrated network of content and services that help consumers get more from the Web – any time, any place and from any device. MSN is the most popular destination on the Internet, attracting 201 million unique monthly visitors worldwide, and is available in 33 markets in 17 languages – a broader global presence than any other portal. MSN Internet Access is the highly rated, fast and reliable way for consumers to get on the Web, now with 3 million subscribers. MSN delivers The Everyday Web™ experience by providing more than just the basics for new Internet users, with benefits for more advanced users looking for richer functionality. Best-of-breed services include MSN Hotmail® , the world’s largest e-mail system, with more than 70 million active accounts; MSN Messenger Service, the fastest-growing instant messaging service, with more than 18 million users; MSN Search, the second most popular search service on the Web; MSN Mobile, the customizable wireless information service; the award-winning MSN MoneyCentral™
online personal finance service; MSN eShop, the one-stop online shopping resource; MSN Custom Web Sites, the easy way to share information on the Web; and many other widely used services that make MSN a leading innovator of Internet technologies. MSN is located on the Web at http://www.msn.com/ .
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies 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.
Statements made in this press release that are forward-looking involve risks and uncertainties. These uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic conditions, product demand, competitive products and pricing, availability of products and services, the regulatory environment, and other risks indicated in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission such as RadioShack’s most recent Form 10-K and 10-Q.
Microsoft, MSN, WebTV, Windows, The Everyday Web, Hotmail and MoneyCentral are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
RadioShack is a registered service mark of RadioShack Corp.
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 on RadioShack, please visit the company information page on the RadioShack Web page at http://www.radioshack.com/ .
