Utfors to partner MSN on cost-free Internet service

Utfors to partner MSN on cost-free Internet service Sweden's largest portal, MSN.se, has signed a partnership agreement with Utfors whereby MSN.se will be able to offer free Internet access to its visitors thanks to Utfors' Free Internet Access. In the future, MSN users will also have access to Utfors' optic fibre network and its broadband services. Today, many Internet users access the Internet via suppliers to whom they pay a monthly fee. Besides this fee, users pay for each minute they spend surfing the Internet. Free Internet means that users avoid paying the fixed monthly fee, and only pay for the time they spend surfing the Internet. Utfors is one of the companies offering free access. "Utfors offers an excellent, cost-free Internet service that, alongside MSN's content and services, increases Internet accessibility," says Jens Gorne, MSN's Development Manager in Sweden. To get free access to MSN Free Internet Access powered by Utfors, users can register via MSN.se or call Utfors. Utfors takes responsibility for all subscription service and support, whilst MSN handles the marketing of this joint service. "We are strengthening our market position thanks to our partnership with MSN, and we expect a sharp increase in new users of our Sweden-wide network," says Jan Werne, Managing Director at Utfors. In February, the MSN.se portal will be redesigned. Improved content, together with the MSN Messenger, Hotmail and Communities communications services, will attract new users to MSN.se. The goal is clear - MSN.se aims to become the best consumer portal in Sweden. Please visit MSN at www.msn.se For further information, please contact: Jens Gorne, Business Manager, MSN Sweden Tel: +46 8 752 56 00 E-mail: jensgo@microsoft.com Jan Werne, Managing Director, Utfors Tel: +46 8 5270 25 40 E-mail: jan.werne@utfors.se Microsoft was formed in 1975. Microsoft's vision is to create innovative software that provides people with access to services, information and communication regardless of time, place and instrument. ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/01/27/20000126BIT01010/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/01/27/20000126BIT01010/bit0002.pdf