A Year Ago: MSN reassures users in online chat session

Microsoft Network (MSN) UK bosses last night once more played down rumours of an impending exit from providing Internet access in an online chat about the future of the online service.

"In the UK we always plan to provide our customers with a way to purchase Internet access and currently have no plans to change the way customers receive this today in the UK," said Judy Gibbons, MSN director.

Gibbons added that MSN had recently announced plans to support both the x2 and K56flex 56Kbps modem specifications.

In other parts of a wide-ranging discussion, MSN said it planned to up the number of Friends Online to 60 early next year and apologised for UK beta testers getting their MSN 2.5 access software late, saying this was caused by a manufacturing glitch.

Gibbons also said that MSN planned to continue offering a blend of externally and internally produced services. Many observers have noted that the service has significantly narrowed its focus since its launch last year.