that can handle music, photos and Internet downloads, part of

SBC`s efforts to expand into home entertainment. SBC plans to

spend about $5 billion over the next three years to build and

connect customers to a high-speed data network designed to

handle video, voice and Internet access over one line. The

set-top box, which SBC will build in a joint venture with

privately owned equipment maker 2Wire, will be sold starting in

mid-2005 as an add-on to SBC`s current high-speed Internet

services as well as to SBC customers who buy ECHOSTAR

COMMUNICATIONS DISH satellite service. SBC said the

2Wire-designed box will record and save TV programs, and can

access music and photos stored on home computers. Owners will

be able to control the box remotely over an Internet

connection, which will also provide access to streaming music

and video downloads through SBC`s deal with YAHOO INC.

(Reuters 10:45 AM ET 01/03/2005)