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Dreamcast Europe to include free Internet access[05.13.99] » Europeans to be able to surf the 'Net through Sega's console for free. In a press release sent out early Thursday morning, Sega's European division announced that it was going to venture into the Internet Service Provider business and provide free Internet access to Europeans purchasing Dreamcast console systems. The move comes as a potential spark to dwindling Dreamcast interest caused by the development of Sony's next generation system and rumors of Nintendo's next system. Playing games against friends has always been a great pull to console system's popularity, and Internet access will allow friends across Europe to battle each other seamlessly. No word was given on the potential for a similar deal in the U.S. The text of the press release follows: SEGA TEAMS UP WITH BT AND ICL TO OFFER FREE PAN EUROPEAN INTERNET ACCESS ON DREAMCAST SEGA Europe today (13th May, 1999) announces its latest evolutionary stage - it becomes the first global electronics company to become an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Dreamcast, SEGA's new games console, to be launched on September 23, 1999, will offer free unlimited pan-European Internet access. Working together with preferred supplier BT across Europe, and ICL, SEGA will incorporate a modem and browser into the Dreamcast console, which will be bundled into the already announced £199 launch price. BT will be responsible for the European network infrastructure including dial-up and Internet access, local hosting and billing services. ICL will be in charge of the design, build and system integration of the online Dreamcast service. All Dreamcast purchasers will be able to access the Internet via a local call and will not need to pay an access fee. E-mail and chatting services will be available and soon, continuing Dreamcast's evolution, SEGA plans to offer on-line shopping and on-line gaming facilities. JF Cecillon, Chief Executive SEGA Europe said: "This is a ground-breaking development for both SEGA and our customers. Today's news signals SEGA's emergence as an aggressive Internet network business as we enter the new millennium. Dreamcast will become the home entertainment product for the whole family. "This is a new strategic move for SEGA Enterprises. As one of the world's leading consumer electronics companies, we again lead the industry - from home gaming into the Internet age". John Swingewood, director, BT Internet and multimedia, said: "We're delighted to have been chosen by SEGA to provide pan-European Internet access for Dreamcast games console users. One of our key objectives is to get more and more people on-line and by working with SEGA to introduce simple, low-cost access on games consoles we will take another step towards achieving this." Derek Sayers, managing director of ICL's Electronic Business Services unit said: "This will be another Internet first, as Dreamcast will be the first ever games console to make use of the Internet. What ICL will be applying is its understanding of the online world and the technical expertise needed to turn SEGA's online gaming vision into a working reality." |
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