REDMOND, Wash., June 20, 2002 — The MSN
network of Internet services today announced that through alliances with leading DSL providers such as Verizon Communications and through delivering MSN Broadband nationwide, MSN will become the preferred online service to more DSL households in the United States than any other online service. MSN leads the industry in online DSL services as the preferred online service for both Verizon Communications and Qwest Communications International Inc., which serve nearly half the DSL market. In addition to these leading alliances, MSN Broadband Internet Access is now available nationwide directly from MSN and other retail partners, reaching 70 markets nationwide and more than 90 percent of DSL-capable households. More information on the MSN announcement with Verizon today can be found at
.
“With our new alliance with Verizon Communications and the expansion of our MSN Broadband Internet Access service nationwide, MSN is clearly the leader in online services for the DSL market,”
said Yusuf Mehdi, vice president of MSN.
“MSN continues to deliver innovative new technology that offers consumers the most exciting online experience available. The new version of MSN that will be available this fall will set a new standard of excellence for what consumers can expect from their online service provider.”
Leading Alliances Establish MSN as No. 1 Broadband Online Service
MSN currently serves as an Internet service provider (ISP), delivering broadband Internet access directly to customers and through a strategic relationship with Qwest. MSN also is valued premium services partner to other ISPs, such as Verizon Communications and Charter Communications. These relationships enable MSN to strategically partner with leading telecommunication and cable providers to deliver leading-edge subscription services to a broader set of consumers. Consumers will see the benefit of the new MSN relationship with Verizon (announced separately today) through a cobranded service that will be delivered early next year over Verizons 34 million DSL-capable access lines. The cobranded service will deliver a range of broadband-enhanced applications and content through a unique, customized browser that features advanced MSN services and content.
“Top partners are choosing MSN as an online services partner because of the superior online services that MSN offers today and the technology vision that MSN is committed to delivering in the future,”
Mehdi said.
“Partners are incredibly excited about the new version of MSN that will be available this fall, which is designed to deliver useful new innovations for consumers and leapfrog the competition.”
MSN Broadband Delivers Superior Technology and Online Experience
MSN has built on its Microsoft tradition to deliver leading-edge technology that offers a faster, more reliable and more useful high-speed Internet experience. MSN Broadband Internet Access is built on Microsoft® IntelliSpeed™ broadband technology, which enables easy DSL installation, technology updates and line monitoring for optimized performance, reliability, ease of use and extremely fast connectivity. MSN also delivers industry-leading content and services through the exclusive broadband-optimized MSN Explorer browser with integrated Windows Media™
Player.
Additional features include the following:
-
A broadband showcase page with a wide variety of broadband-optimized content
-
Extensive broadband content across the network from leading partners, including MSNBC, ESPN, Access Hollywood, Disney and Discovery
-
Exclusive content from MSNBC, delivered to MSN Broadband subscribers up to three times faster than to narrowband users*
Competitively priced, MSN Broadband ranges from $39.95 (U.S.) to $49.95 (U.S.) per month. In addition, customers can receive free activation of their MSN Broadband Internet Access account and a free installation kit.** Customers can sign up for MSN Broadband on the Web by going directly to http://broadband.msn.com/ , or by calling (800) 373-3676.
About MSN
MSN attracts more than 270 million unique users worldwide per month. Globally available in 34 markets and 18 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering Web services to consumers and digital marketing solutions to businesses worldwide. The most useful and innovative online service today, MSN brings consumers everything they need from the Web to make the most of their time online. MSN is located on the Web at http://www.msn.com/ . MSN worldwide sites are located at http://www.msn.com/worldwide.ashx .
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft Corp. (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.
* MSN Broadband subscribers receive exclusive content from MSNBC and CNBC up to three times faster than narrowband users (i.e., at speeds of 300K vs. 100K).
** MSN Broadband is not available in all areas. Special equipment may be required. Actual speeds over DSL lines will vary depending on several factors including location of your home, computer performance and configuration, network or Internet congestion, Web sites accessed, and current phone line conditions. Speed of service, uninterrupted and error-free service is not guaranteed.
Some customers may require professional installation, which may be obtained for an extra charge. Available only to new MSN Broadband subscribers.
You must additionally agree to the subscriber agreement to access the service.
A valid major credit card may be required.
If for any reason your subscription is terminated during the initial 12-month period, you will be required to return the DSL modem provided to you; if you do not return the modem you will be charged $99 plus applicable taxes. The current price for the unlimited MSN Broadband Internet Access Plan will be automatically charged to you beginning on the activation date and until you cancel your account or select an alternative plan.
You must be 18 years old or older.
MSN Broadband Internet Access is available only to users of the Windows® 98 or later operating systems.
MSN Internet Access is available only for personal, noncommercial use.
Additional terms may apply if you are a current dial-up MSN Internet Access subscriber.
Offer expires Oct. 24, 2002
Microsoft, MSN, IntelliSpeed, Windows Media and Windows 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. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. Journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team for additional assistance.
