BellSouth's DSL service gets Real

By SUSAN RUSH
From CED Broadband Direct, August 15, 2002

Looking to beef up its DSL service package, BellSouth Corp. has teamed with RealNetworks Inc. to deliver streaming audio and video content from the likes of NASCAR.com, FOXSports and "Big Brother 3" to customers' desktops.

BellSouth FastAccess DSL subscribers can try out RealNetworks' RealOne SuperPass subscription-based streaming service for 14 days, free of charge. Those who opt for the trial also will receive $100 of game downloads from RealOne Arcade. After the trial period expires, FastAccess DSL customers will have the option to subscribe to the RealOne SuperPass service for an additional $9.95 a month.

Separately, RealNetworks named former MSNBC.com editor Merrill Brown senior vice president. Brown will be tasked with running RealNetworks' RealOne subscription video and audio service.

"As content providers recognize the importance of the Internet for both getting their brand out there and monetizing the audience, subscription services such as RealOne will shape the future of content on the Internet," Brown said in a statement.

RealNetworks has more than 750,000 paying subscribers to its RealOne SuperPass and other premium subscription services.