Verizon to Promote Windows Live

Verizon said Tuesday that it has agreed to provide co-branded versions of Windows Live products to its DSL and FiOS high-speed customers. The agreement is an expansion of a prior one between the two companies that has existed since April 2002. Over the past year, the service had primarily been promoting its Yahoo partnership more extensively.

The deal would mean customers would have access to co-branded versions of Live.com, Windows Live Toolbar, Verizon e-mail powered by Windows Live Mail, a co branded Windows Live Messenger, and a free version of the Windows Live OneCare safety scanner.

"Verizon continues to be a highly valuable partner for us in delivering Windows Live services that unite consumers' interests, information and relationships in a way that's most meaningful to them," said Steve Berkowitz, senior vice president, Online Services Group at Microsoft.

The two companies will work together on bringing other Windows Live services to Verizon customers. Until the co-branded Windows Live service is ready -- sometime early next year -- Verizon would continue to offer MSN Premium in the meantime.

Microsoft already signed one deal to offer Windows Live to Qwest high-speed customers back in June. Like Verizon, Qwest had offered its customers a co branded version of MSN Premium as part of its high-speed package.