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Industry titans shake on $5 billion deal

In a move to ensure its role in the broadband revolution, Microsoft takes a $5 billion stake in AT&T and signs a number of deals with the telecom giant.

CNET News staff
2 min read
 
  latest developments 

Microsoft, in a move to secure its spot in the broadband parade, takes a $5 billion stake in AT&T. The telecom giant, following its proposed acquisition of MediaOne, will be the largest cable operator in the nation.

"Microsoft wants a seat in the new broadband environment, and they bought that seat."

- Jim Balderston, Zona Research analyst

 


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Windows CE faces technical issues
news analysis Microsoft's decision to invest $5 billion in AT&T means Windows CE will cut a wider swath, but some question if the stripped-down operating system is up to the task.

Microsoft, AT&T in $5 billion pact
Microsoft invests $5 billion in AT&T and announces a series of agreements with the phone giant in a move to boost its position in broadband and Internet services.

Previous coverage

Microsoft sees cable in its software future
Redmond reportedly may make a large investment in AT&T in a move to ensure its software and operating systems will be a critical component of cable set-top boxes.

AT&T gives, but gains more
news analysis The telecom giant has co-opted some of its most dangerous critics, convincing a growing number of the big cable firms that working together is better than standing in the way of Ma Bell.

AT&T wins the bidding war for MediaOne
update Comcast bails out of efforts to top AT&T's offer for MediaOne while concluding a side agreement with the telephone and cable giant.

MediaOne-AT&T deal pushes Comcast aside
update MediaOne's board of directors accepts AT&T's $62 billion buyout bid, while reports say AOL has backed out of partnering with Comcast for a counter bid.

AT&T: The house that Armstrong rebuilt
news analysis Just a year and half after taking the reins at AT&T, chief executive C. Michael Armstrong is wasting no time trying to reshape the once-lumbering phone giant into a broadband superpower that acts in Internet time.