Netscape, 5 Bells To Offer Internet Access

Netscape Communications Corp. is joining with five regional phone companies in an aggressive drive to jointly market Internet access and fight off bruising incursions by archrival Microsoft Corp.

The new online computer service was expected to be announced today, and should be available by the end of the month to 72 million Baby Bell customers in 26 states, people close to the companies said Monday.

The joint product, which encourages use of Netscape’s software for browsing the World Wide Web, is the latest salvo in the Mountain View, Calif., company’s battle over which technologies for navigating the chaotic world of cyberspace will dominate in the future.

Ameritech, Bell Atlantic, BellSouth, Pacific Bell and Southwestern Bell are expected to promote the venture with ads inserted in monthly phone bills, and Netscape will post information about the phone companies on its Web site, according to the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity.