MSFT: Verizon and Microsoft Expand Alliance to Provide Windows Live Services for High-Speed Internet Subscribers

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE “VZ”) and Microsoft Corp.(Nasdaq “MSFT”) today announced an expanded alliance in which Verizon will offer its consumer DSL and FiOS Internet customers a co-branded suite of Microsoft® Windows Live™ services to help them enjoy more personalized Internet experiences with enhanced online security.

“We’re delighted to move forward with Microsoft in offering our broadband customers an enhanced, more-personalized Internet experience through a combination of Windows Live services and innovative features from Verizon,” said John Wimsatt, senior vice president, Broadband Solutions Marketing for Verizon. “By expanding our relationship with Microsoft, a leader in Internet solutions, we continue our commitment to creating the best value in broadband, offering more and better choices than cable and creating a superior online experience.”

As part of the new agreement, which is an expansion of the two companies’ broadband relationship that began in April 2002, Verizon customers will have access to co-branded information and communications services, including a co-branded Live.com home page with easy access to Verizon and Windows Live services, a Windows Live Toolbar, a co-branded Windows Live Search page, Verizon e-mail powered by Windows Live Mail, a co-branded version of Windows Live Messenger and safety protection via Windows Live OneCare™ safety scanner.

“Verizon continues to be a highly valuable partner for us in delivering Windows Live services that unite consumers’ interests, information and relationships in a way that’s most meaningful to them,” said Steve Berkowitz, senior vice president, Online Services Group at Microsoft. “This expanded alliance further solidifies the growth and success of the Windows Live platform.”

Verizon is working closely with Microsoft to develop additional integrated communications and personalized services on the new Windows Live services platform. Verizon will continue delivering MSN® Premium services to current subscribers, with new Windows Live offerings set to roll out early next year. The companies’ co-branded Windows Live services offer customers the following benefits:

• Flexibility. Customers will have access to key Verizon services and will be able to make the Internet more useful to them by personalizing their Verizon and Windows Live home page experience quickly using Microsoft tools and gadgets that make it easy to customize content for their individual needs.

• Communication. With co-branded Windows Live Messenger and Windows Live Mail services, customers will be able to manage rich communications, with deep and seamless integration to help stay in touch with people.

• Safety. With Windows Live OneCare safety scanner, Verizon customers will have access to on-demand online tools to help protect themselves and their families online and keep their PCs healthy and running well.

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), a Dow 30 company, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America’s most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 55 million customers nationwide. Verizon Business operates one of the most expansive wholly-owned global IP networks. Verizon Telecom is deploying the nation’s most advanced fiber-optic network to deliver the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services to customers. Based in New York, Verizon has a diverse workforce of more than 252,000 and generates annual consolidated operating revenues of approximately $90 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.


About MSN and Windows Live
MSN attracts more than 465 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 42 markets and 21 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering compelling programmed content experiences to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide. Windows Live, a new set of personal Internet services and software, is designed to bring together in one place all the relationships, information and interests people care about most, with enhanced safety and security features across their PC, devices and the Web. MSN and Windows Live will be offered alongside each other as complementary services.

Some Windows Live services entered an early beta phase on Nov. 1, 2005; these and future beta updates can be found at http://ideas.live.com. Windows Live is available at http://www.live.com. MSN is located on the Web at http://www.msn.com. MSN worldwide sites are located at http://www.msn.com/worldwide.ashx.