British Telecom and Microsoft to partner for MSN 8 broadband delivery

Microsoft Corporation and U.K. telecommunications giant, British Telecom, have announced that they will jointly promote Microsoft's MSN 8 Web browser. This is Microsoft's first foray into the European market for MSN 8, and BT is hoping that interest in MSN 8 will generate demand for BT's broadband offering. Microsoft does not offer ISP services in Europe. The companies reportedly will jointly spend about $4 million in promotions for the MSN 8-jazzed up broadband services. Initially, consumers will be required to pay separately for broadband and for MSN 8, but a spokesperson for the joint venture indicated that the products will likely become integrated into a single offering with one price. Microsoft is launching MSN 8 in the U.K. on Tuesday, November 26th for $6.99 pounds ($10.96) per month, while BT broadband customers currently pay 30 pounds per month just for broadband services. Microsoft and BT also plan to sell Microsoft's Web-based software in Europe and to offer Xbox Live online gaming via BT's broadband provider, Openworld.