IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

SBC, Yahoo expand multimedia services

SBC Communications Inc. and Yahoo! Inc. are expanding their partnership to make news, entertainment and other services available on cell phones, televisions and other devices.
/ Source: The Associated Press

SBC Communications Inc. and Yahoo! Inc. are expanding their partnership in high-speed Internet access to make news, entertainment and other services available not just on computers but also on cell phones, televisions and other devices.

Financial terms of the multiyear deal were not disclosed.

The agreement further blurs the line between phone companies like SBC and online-services providers such as Yahoo.

San Antonio-based SBC has moved aggressively to get into high-speed Internet and now the television business to offset a decline in its traditional business. Many of SBC's phone customers have been giving up their second lines — sometimes even primary ones — in favor of cell phones and Internet phone service.

The companies said their pact would allow customers to access entertainment and communications content from almost anywhere.

Thursday's deal builds on an alliance that the two companies first announced in 2001 to sell DSL high-speed Internet service over phone lines.

SBC sells phone service in 13 Central and Western states, including Texas and California and owns 60 percent of cell phone carrier Cingular Wireless.

Yahoo runs 25 Web portals in 13 languages.