Microsoft: We are not closing MSN

Microsoft, angered by a rumor published in the Los Angeles Times, announcedyesterday that they are not dropping MSN (the Microsoft Network), theirInternet Access service. MSN, in fact, has recently signed deals to partnerwith outsiders, including @Home, the high-speed cable modem access company.

"We're not perfect at what we do," said Jeff Sanderson, general manager of marketing at MSN. "But we are not aiming to leave the access business. There is no imminent plan going on to get out of the access business. "We are broadening the choices people have of using other's access to reach MSN's content, but that is totally unrelated to the commitment we have to continue providing access as part of our own service package."

MSN currently has 2.3 million subscribers and offers flat-rate Internetaccess