National Internet access providers are continuing to utilize free personal
computer deals to entice new users their way.
Microsoft Corp. Thursday became the latest to join the trend by announcing an agreement with PC manufacturer Lan
Plus Inc. to resell MSN Internet Access.
As a result of the deal, Lan Plus is offering free computer to customers
when they sign up for a three-year contract with MSN Internet access. Consumers
will receive their PC and unlimited MSN Internet Access service when they
prepay $17.99 a month for 36 months.
Rob Bennett, Microsoft group product manager for the consumer and commerce
group, said the agreement with Lan Plus would help broaden MSN’s reach and
motivate consumers to get online now.
“We are excited to team up with Lan Plus to make MSN Internet Access
available to its customers,” Bennett said. “The recent accolades are a
result of our investment in the access business, and with agreements like
the one with Lan Plus we can help more and more consumers get online and
explore the Web.”
Recently companies including America Online Inc., eMachines Inc. and Micron Technology Inc. have partnered to
produce the same type of free home computer offers. In an effort to reduce
sales revenue lost to online offers, national electronic retailers like Best Buy Co. have also offered the same
type of free PC deal with Prodigy
Communications Corp.