Bell Canada and Microsoft launch Canada's most complete Internet experience at Sympatico.MSN.ca
New 'super' Web portal brings Canadians an unmatched choice of tools and broadband content
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Sympatico with MSN Premium software delivers customized service to Sympatico subscribers
TORONTO, ON. — June 9, 2004 — Bell Canada and Microsoft today launched Sympatico.MSN.ca, Canada's most comprehensive Internet destination, with information, entertainment, broadband content and premium features that set a new standard for Internet users seeking the ultimate online experience.
With Sympatico.MSN.ca, Bell Canada and Microsoft have pulled out all the stops to create a single "super portal" site designed to set new standards for ease of use, personalization, content and interactivity. This unique destination combines the best features and Internet tools of MSN Canada (like MSN Hotmail®, MSN Messenger and MSN Search) with the rich broadband content and innovative services of Sympatico.ca that has become so popular with Canadians.
Today’s announcement also coincides with the introduction of Sympatico with MSN® Premium, a custom-built version of the software featuring tools that enable a safer online experience, including pop-up ad blocking, spam filtering and parental controls. Subscribers who add MSN Premium Internet software to their Sympatico Internet access service will be able to take advantage of exciting and innovative customization and communication tools, together with educational and search features as well as integrated e-mail.
"Bell's leadership in deploying innovative broadband services has helped Canada become one of the most connected nations in the world," said Pierre Blouin, Group President, Consumer Markets, Bell Canada. "Today, we have combined our expertise with Microsoft's leadership to deliver a powerful, yet simplified and safe Internet experience. Through our combined web site, Sympatico.MSN.ca will reach more than 90% of all on-line Canadians and deliver our ISP customers an unparalleled choice of tools, innovative broadband content and enhanced communications."
The Bell Canada and Microsoft announcement is a major joint initiative resulting from their strategic alliance announced last year and aimed at providing Canadians with Internet services that are easier to use, more secure than before, more entertaining and that will feature the next generation of enhanced communications services. It is also an important milestone in Bell’s commitment to deliver tomorrow’s Canadian broadband home.
Microsoft is excited to join with Bell Canada today in the launch of what we believe is the most comprehensive Internet offering in Canada," said Frank Clegg, President, Microsoft Canada Co. "As world-leaders in broadband adoption, Canadians are in a great position to take full advantage of this powerful suite of Internet software and services."
"Canada is one of the world's leading broadband nations by any measure. Canadian Internet users are coming to expect access to comprehensive content and tools. ISPs must deliver them to ensure going forward success," said Mark Quigley, Research Director, Canadian Market Strategies, Yankee Group. "According to research conducted by the Yankee Group, we estimate that there were 4.1 million subscribers to broadband Internet service at the end of 2003. This represents 57 per cent of the total Internet base."
Sympatico.MSN.ca, Canada's newest portal
Sympatico.MSN.ca, brings together the best of MSN Canada and Sympatico.ca in one easy-to-use entry point to the Internet. The new portal includes MSN Hotmail and MSN Messenger, as well as streaming concert series, Sympatico music store, GamesMania and NHL games content. In addition, Sympatico.MSN.ca will include new content channels and features, such as Kids, Maps & Directions, Games and the High Speed Zone. Sympatico.MSN.ca will greatly enhance the user’s experience with:
| • | Better Tools: MSN Hotmail, MSN Messenger, calendaring, security features, personalization and more. Integrated Sympatico Mail enhanced by MSN can be accessed through the portal and is available to all Sympatico subscribers. Sympatico Mail provides more functionality, more storage space, junk mail filtering, e-mail virus scanning and increased security. |
| • | More Entertainment: Providing Canadians access to a broad choice of interesting content, information and services from one easy-to-use entry point to the Internet. Canadians will have access to local and global music, games, travel, learning, e-cards, up-to-the minute news, sports and entertainment that keep them connected to what is happening around them. |
| • | Customized, Personalized Internet Experience: With My Page, customers can create their own personal home page from a library of 150 content modules. At Sympatico.MSN.ca, consumers can customize their navigation bar and dashboard to help them keep an eye on their e-mails, stocks, online MSN Messenger buddies, local weather, favourite pictures and more. |
| • | Leading Broadband Content: Customers of Sympatico high-speed service will also enjoy exclusive access to a wealth of broadband content through Sympatico.MSN.ca including celebrity interviews with Celine Dion and Avril Lavigne and “behind-the-scenes” features on movies such as Harry Potter, as well as NHL Snapshot’s 20-minute game encapsulations. |
"Sympatico.MSN.ca will be Canada's newest national portal available to all on-line Canadians," said Charlotte Burke, Senior Vice-President, Consumer Internet Services, Bell Canada. "For Bell Sympatico's High Speed DSL Internet subscribers, Sympatico.MSN.ca will provide an exceptionally rich Internet experience by offering a customized broadband version of the portal with exclusive online access to members-only concerts, sports events, special offers and much more. By integrating Sympatico with MSN Premium to their Internet service, subscribers will have virtual storefront of the best applications and content available today."
Sympatico with MSN Premium redefines the on-line experience
"MSN Premium provides the best range of superior Internet features with advanced communication tools, persistent online security and digital lifestyle management," said Brian Arbogast, Vice-President, MSN Communications Platform, Microsoft Corp. "Sympatico with MSN Premium delivers innovative software and content services in one place, helping Canadians be more efficient, have more fun and get more out of the Internet."
Sympatico with MSN Premium software was custom-designed to provide Sympatico ISP customers with the simplest and safest way to create the ideal Internet environment. It offers many features, including:
| • | Enhanced Safety and Security: Regularly updated Anti-Virus Software and Firewall, provided by Canadian based Zero Knowledge, to help keep PCs free from unwanted intruders. Junk E-mail Filters to keep in boxes clutter-free, and powerful Parental Controls that help provide a safer, worry-free Internet Experience. |
Advanced Communications Tools: Sympatico and MSN Hotmail lets customers send and receive e-mail messages by accessing their accounts from any PC. MSN Messenger keeps customers in touch with family and friends all over the globe as users chat, send photos, and play games. With more than 11 million users each month, MSN Messenger and MSN Hotmail are the most popular on line tools in Canada (comScore Media Metrix Canada, Home/Work combined April 2004). The introduction of Sympatico Mail enhanced by MSN will also allow Sympatico ISP customers to retain their sympatico.ca e-mail address. The New Sympatico Mail includes 11 e-mail accounts and 25 MB (megabytes) of storage capacity for one primary user and 10 MB for each additional user. Integrated e-mail, messaging and calendaring services provide fast and easy access to friends, family and even the office – from virtually anywhere and anytime.
| • | Affordable Pricing – Value, Bandwidth and Special Promotions |
Sympatico High Speed and Ultra High Speed customers can receive Sympatico with MSN Premium for a low monthly fee of $4.95 ($49.95 per month for High Speed service and $59.95 per month for High Speed Ultra service). MSN Premium is included for those customers that sign a 12-month agreement (at $44.95 per month for High Speed Service or $59.95 per month for Ultra service).
Sympatico Dial and Basic customers can receive Sympatico with MSN Premium for $9.95 per month ($39.95 per month for Basic service and $32.95 per month for Dial service). As an introductory offer, all customers will receive their first two months of MSN Premium for free.
About Bell Canada
Bell Canada, Canada's national leader in communications, provides connectivity to residential and business customers through wired and wireless voice and data communications, local and long distance phone services, high speed and wireless Internet access, IP-broadband services, e-business solutions and satellite television services. Bell Canada is wholly owned by BCE Inc. For more information please visit www.bell.ca.
About Microsoft Canada Co.
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Co. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Microsoft Canada is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario with MSN.CA offices located in Toronto and eight regional offices across the country. Visit Microsoft Canada's Web site at www.microsoft.ca
More information about this announcement can be found at www.bce.ca/en/sympaticomsn.
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