Microsoft KB Archive/158411

= Microsoft Knowledge Base =

Deactivation of MSN-Only Access Phone Numbers
Last reviewed: October 7, 1997

Article ID: Q158411

The information in this article applies to:


 * The Microsoft Network versions 1.2, 1.3, 2.0, 2.5

SUMMARY
All MSN, The Microsoft Network, access phone numbers that provide access to MSN only (no Internet access) will be deactivated December 1, 1996. This article provides information about this transition.

MORE INFORMATION
The demand for Internet-based content and services has increased as the computer industry has embraced Internet standards. The MSN-only access phone numbers cannot support Internet connections.

To create a world-class offering on the Internet, Microsoft has decided to focus MSN in the following countries:


 * Australia
 * Canada
 * France
 * Germany
 * Japan
 * Switzerland
 * United Kingdom
 * United States of America

Outside of these countries, MSN will not offer localized content or provide Internet access.

Microsoft has negotiated an arrangement with Internet service providers (ISPs) in some countries who will offer a competitive Internet access rate to MSN members who wish to open an account. These ISPs will also provide you with technical assistance in setting up your software to use MSN with their Internet service. Preferred ISPs will be available in the following countries:


 * Austria
 * Belgium
 * Denmark
 * Finland
 * Hong Kong
 * Italy
 * Korea
 * Netherlands
 * New Zealand
 * Norway
 * Portugal
 * Spain
 * Singapore
 * South Africa
 * Sweden
 * Taiwan

You can access MSN content with the ISP of your choice, whether you live in one of the above countries or a country that does not have preferred ISPs.

Our goal is to offer a smooth transition to the new Web-based service for our existing members. We are doing two things to try to make this easier for you:


 * Microsoft is creating a new, less expensive, membership plan for members who have access to MSN through an ISP. The price will be US$6.95 per month for unlimited use of MSN's content (you will be responsible for the ISP charges). The content plan will be available for this price anywhere in the world as long as you have access to the Internet.
 * In addition, MSN will provide three months of this membership at no charge (but, again, you will be responsible for ISP charges) to members in affected countries who wish to continue their membership.

As long as you have a Content plan with MSN, you can keep your current account and member ID when using an ISP. You can also continue to send and receive e-mail using your MSN address.