Yahoo, SBC to Unveil Broadband Service

Yahoo Inc. and SBC Communications Inc. today will unveil a high-speed Internet service designed to convince more people that broadband is worth the extra money.

The Internet and phone companies have been working on the service since they joined forces last year. The new service, available in all 13 states where SBC provides phone service, would allow subscribers to surf the Web at speeds up to 25 times as fast as dial-up modems.

The new service’s content of exclusive entertainment features and other applications is supposed to be another selling point.

A promotional subscription rate of $29.95 to $39.95 per month, depending on the speed of service, will be offered. The regular rate will be $42.95 to $59.95 per month.

Microsoft Corp.’s MSN service and regional phone carrier Qwest Communications International Inc. last year rolled out a high-speed Internet service that hasn’t made a significant dent in the market, an industry analyst said.