[Am-info] Microsoft, Verizon link for fast Net

[Erick Andrews]

How cushy...see...

http://www.businesstoday.com/business/business/veri06212002.htm

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Microsoft and Verizon teamed up yesterday on a co-branded 
high-speed Internet service set to go live early next year.

Under the deal made public yesterday, Microsoft Corp. (Chart)'s 
MSN Network will become the preferred provider of Internet 
services to Verizon Communications Inc.'s digital subscriber line 
customers. DSL, as it's known, enables high-speed digital 
communications and is available in many areas served by Verizon.

"Microsoft is committed to speeding the adoption of broadband, 
and this expanded strategic alliance with Verizon will enable millions 
of consumers to take advantage of high-speed Internet access and rich 
broadband services and content," Steve Ballmer, Microsoft's 
chief executive, told reporters yesterday.

"We're going to base this service on the next generation of MSN, 
which will bring with it enhanced services with e-mail and instant 
messaging," Ballmer said.

Ballmer wouldn't comment on specifics of the long-term agreement. 
Prices were not disclosed.

Ballmer said Microsoft will spend about $500 million to develop 
its MSN internet service this year. It has about 7.7 million subscribers.

"The reason this will work is that each of us has an incentive to keep 
doing what we're doing," said Ivan Siedenberg, Verizon's president 
and chief executive. Verizon has about 1.4 million DSL customers.
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"...each of us has an incentive to keep doing what we're doing...", hmmm,
I just wonder what he means by that?

-- 
Erick Andrews