Microsoft pitches broadband gear
ZDNet | at | by Mike
Microsoft on Thursday plans to announce hardware discounts and additional services for MSN 8 broadband subscribers who are buying the company's networking products. Last week, the Redmond, Wash.-based software giant unveiled new wired and wireless networking gear for connecting to cable and DSL (digital subscriber line) broadband services. Microsoft hopes the hardware, combined with its pending MSN 8 online service, will help it rapidly launch a nationwide broadband network.
As part of its promotion of MSN broadband, Microsoft plans to offer a discount by about 20 percent on its MN-500 Wireless Base Station. The product offers 802.11b wireless networking, or Wi-Fi, which connects computers to the Internet or local network without wires at speeds up to 11mbps at a maximum range of 300 feet. The discount means consumers would pay around $120, instead of $150, for the MN-500.