AT&T acquires Planet Internet

AT&T is one step closer to offering an Internet service in the UK. The US telecomms giant has purchased Dutch-owned Planet Internet, which launched a high-profile consumer-orientated Internet service earlier this year. The Planet service will be combined with AT&T's own WorldNet service which received massive support in the US when it offered free Internet connectivity to AT&T telephony subscribers. The service is expected to be launched in the UK in the first quarter of 1997.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed but AT&T gains access to Planet's network infrastructure, distribution and marketing arrangements. The company is also looking at offering Internet connectivity to AT&T's corporate customers in the UK.