Dreamcast cable modem support planned

[10.25.99] » Sega counters Sony's cable plan with one of its own.

   Sony's plans for a PlayStation 2 cable modem may have bested the Dreamcast's current dial-up modem, but Sega is far from conceding defeat. According to a Nikkei News reports, Sega of Japan is teaming with Jupiter Communications, Japan's largest cable company, to offer cable modems and Internet access to Japanese Dreamcast users -- the first such broadband access ever announced for the system. No actual cable modem hardware has ever been announced for the Dreamcast, so it remains to be seen exactly how the devices will work.

   Sega's current broadband plans involve a small, 200-user test in Tokyo this December, with conventional Internet access being the only service offered. Assuming all goes well, online gaming features will debut the following spring. In addition to playing old favorites against online opponents, consumers will be able to download new titles directly from Sega; a plan that mirrors Sony's eventual PlayStation 2 cable modem support.

   Though only Japan is currently involved in these plans, the widespread popularity of cable modems in North America makes a mirror of the program seem like a natural. As long as Sega sticks to its timeline, the company could actually beat Sony into integrating cable modem support.