3 inks deal with Microsoft for MSN services

Irish mobile network operator 3 Ireland has signed a deal with Microsoft to make the latter’s MSN Messenger and Hotmail applications available to its customers. Available through 3 Ireland’s 3G network, the new services will soon start to come on stream offering a tried and tested MSN/Hotmail user interface direct to users’ handsets. The cellco is also planning to offer access to the new Windows Live Messenger and Windows Live Mail services later in 2006.