S'pore, Microsoft discuss Internet access<\/p>\n
SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. said
\nyesterday it was holding talks with U.S. software giant Microsoft
\nCorp. on an Internet access venture that could give the local
\ncompany a head start over its rivals.<\/p>\n
\"We confirm the discussions are on with Microsoft,\" said a
\nspokesman for Singapore Telecom, which reportedly is working out
\na deal to provide access to the Internet for Singapore users of
\nthe Microsoft Network on-line service.<\/p>\n
Microsoft Network was launched on Thursday together with
\nWindows 95, its new personal computer operating system.<\/p>\n
The Business Times newspaper, quoting sources, said yesterday
\nthe deal could take the form of an agreement whereby local users
\nof Microsoft Network who want to access the Internet are
\nautomatically linked through SingNet, Singapore Telecom's gateway
\nto the global information network.<\/p>\n
For SingNet, the newspaper said, this could mean a potential
\nflood of new subscribers as Microsoft Network is expected to be
\nwidely used, both here and in other countries. Windows 95 has
\nbuilt-in capability to access the service.<\/p>\n
In Singapore, access to the Internet, the global collection of
\ncomputer networks connecting over 30 million users, is regulated
\nby the Telecommunication Authority of Singapore (TAS).<\/p>\n
TAS has so far given licenses to Singapore Telecom and Pacific
\nInternet, which has not been approached by Microsoft so far. A
\nthird license is expected to be issued after tenders were called
\nin May.<\/p>\n
Pacific Internet bought a gateway to Internet from Singapore's
\nNational Science and Technology Board in June.<\/p>\n
There was earlier speculation that Microsoft, the world's
\nleading maker of personal computer software, would become an
\nunofficial fourth Internet access provider here, by offering
\naccess via its own on-line service, as it is now doing in the
\nUnited States.<\/p>\n
TAS told the Business Times that because Microsoft does not
\nhave the necessary license, it cannot provide Internet access in
\nSingapore through its Network service.<\/p>\n
A deal with Singapore Telecom will allow Microsoft to
\ncircumvent that problem.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/spore-microsoft-discuss-internet-access-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}