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Are other companies ending free services?

While the story focuses on Microsoft, it's common for companies to review and adjust free services, especially as technology evolves and costs change. This often happens with older, less profitable offerings. The Department for Education's involvement suggests that such changes can have significant impacts, prompting negotiations to ease transitions for users and institutions.

Stories that explain this

Microsoft ends free student email from 1 January 2028

Questions this opens up

Why do companies offer free services? How do companies make money then? Are other tech giants doing this?

Related explainers

Will other free services end? What did the DfE achieve? How much will licences cost? How much will universities pay? Will my old uni email vanish? Are all NHS services free? How do free streaming services work? Are addiction services effective?

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