http://news.com.com/2100-1025_3-5082677.html?tag=rn
Microsoft said this week that MSN users should switch over to its free MSN Messenger instant messaging service as a replacement for the chat rooms, which are scheduled to close down in 28 countries on Oct. 14. The decision excludes the United States and Canada.
Furthermore, MSN will maintain chat rooms in the United States and Canada, but it said it will only allow subscribers to participate.