News

MSN Courts AOL Users with Lower Cost

By Ed Oswald | Published March 28, 2006, 1:59 PM

While AOL is raising prices for dial-up subscribers in an effort to entice users to switch to broadband, MSN said Tuesday it would do the opposite. Through June 30, MSN would allow new subscribers to sign up for a free month of dial-up service, followed by 12 months at $17.95 USD per month. After that period, the monthly charge would return to the normal dial-up rate.

Currently, MSN charges $21.95 USD per month for dial-up access. In comparison, AOL currently charges $25.90, up from $23.90 USD previously. "As longstanding AOL dial-up subscribers begin exploring alternatives to a monthly price increase, Microsoft believes that this new competitive offer will give consumers an incentive to switch to MSN Dial-Up for their dial-up provider," a Microsoft spokesperson told BetaNews.

Comments

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Comit
Mar 29, 2006 - 7:33 PM

For a second there I thought the new rates would be competitive :P
All the local ISPs 'round here are in the 7-12 dollar range and are just as good.

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jshurst
Mar 29, 2006 - 8:42 AM

Who would pay that much for dial-up. That is crazy. I guess AOL knows best though ;-)

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GoodThings2Life
Mar 28, 2006 - 4:58 PM

AOL Users are users for two reasons--

A) Brand Loyalty (warranted or unwarranted, although I would argue unwarranted) and resiliant to change... they have been there forever, and unless they, personally, are screwed over they see no reason to change.

B) Their friends/family are on it... why would they use a service that they don't know anyone and can't communicate with family/friends.

Which ultimately explains why AOL keeps things so locked up on their end... because it surely isn't based on technical merit.

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JacenSolo
Mar 28, 2006 - 7:49 PM

They CAN communicate with their 'friends and family'... AIM messenger can be downloaded and used without the AOL service.

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horsecharles
Mar 28, 2006 - 3:22 PM

no, no, no morons-- charge 5-8 bucks a month to get increased 'ratings'-- then make beacoup in ad revenue OR........ for the current pricing you both propose, also bundle free long distance calling-- right thru some of the access numbers...maybe even add some free music, os upgrade, office app to those who say, commit for 2 years.....
Ay, ay, ay..........

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