“Microsoft has quietly released a low-cost Internet access
service with wholesale retailer Costco.
The new service, called ‘Microsoft MSN Internet Access Presented
by Costco Online,’ is being sold as a CD-ROM at Costco for $35.97
and includes three months of Internet access–which breaks down to
about $11.99 per month. The CD-ROM, which has been on the shelf at
Costco since last week, is only available to Costco’s 13.1 million
members.”
“Under the Costco plan, MSN subscribers can preserve their
existing MSN email address and change pricing plans in October when
the service is available for “automatic conversion,” according to a
page on the site. The billing change will occur after an MSN
Internet Access member’s contract expires… Once the three-month
deal expires, users can sign up for another three-month period for
the same price.”
“In related news, Los Angeles-based computer maker Lan Plus
today said it will offer free membership to MSN Internet Access for
users who sign up for its “MyShoppingClub.com” program. Membership
for the shopping service is $59 for one year or $99 for two years.
“
