M icrosoft has quietly rolled out ISP services from its MSN ISP to Macs for the first time. News.com is reporting that Microsoft is trying the service in 14 states that are serviced by Qwest Communications. According to the report, Mac support from MSN was a requirement for Qwest to move its own ISP customers from its own branded service to MSN. From the News.com report:
The Redmond, Wash., software giant has quietly introduced MSN Internet Access for the Mac to customers in the 14 states that get local phone service through Qwest Communications International. The service, which has been running for about two weeks, is part of a deal Microsoft struck with Qwest a year ago to transition Qwestis dial-up and broadband customers from the Qwest.net service to Microsoftis MSN service.
As part of the deal, Microsoft was required to offer service for Qwestis Mac customers. MSN product manager Lisa Gurry told CNET News.com that Mac customers make up a small fraction of Qwest.netis 500,000 subscribers.
The article goes on to discuss the fact that the service requires little more than a dialer-application, and that MSN is not offering its MSN-only content/services to its Mac users. Check out the full article for more information.