Business Editors
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 8, 2003
BellSouth Offers Right Size of Broadband for Individual Customer
Needs, Increases Broadband Value with New DSL Features Including
Static IP and Web Remote Access
BellSouth (NYSE: BLS) today announced the availability of BellSouth(R) FastAccess(R) DSL Lite, a new retail DSL Internet access service offering that is up to five times faster than traditional 56k dial-up Internet connections. The service provides more flexibility and an additional FastAccess DSL option for customers to select from when upgrading from dial-up Internet service to high-speed broadband. DSL Lite delivers download speeds of up to 256 kbps and upload speeds of up to 128 kbps.
The wait is over for customers who need an entry-level broadband product. For as little as $35 per month, customers can surf the Web and access email more quickly at a very affordable price. DSL, which uses existing home phone lines, allows customers to talk and surf at the same time with nearly instant connections to the Internet. FastAccess DSL Lite includes the same core functionality as BellSouth FastAccess DSL, only at a slower speed and lower price point. These features include five email accounts with ten megabytes of email storage, one back-up dial-up account including 20 hours of access and ten megabytes of personal Web space.
"Most all of our customers desire the speed and power of high-speed Internet service, but not everyone requires the absolute fastest speed available," said Michael Bowling, Vice President of Broadband Marketing for BellSouth. "By offering a tiered approach to broadband, customers choose the speed and price point that matches their Internet use. With a complete menu of Internet options for residential customers, we're able to deliver choices that grow with customers' Internet use. And, by combining Internet service with other BellSouth products, such as the BellSouth(R) Complete Choice(R) plan, customers receive combined discounts all on one bill."
"A tiered approach to broadband gives customers more options and provides a strong incentive to upgrade from slower dial-up connections," said Amy Harris, research manager of IDC. "This new offer, in conjunction with the additional Internet services that BellSouth offers, gives customers the flexibility and range of choices they want and should be beneficial to BellSouth's broadband efforts."
BellSouth offers a complete range of Internet services for residential customers, including:
-- BellSouth(R) FastAccess(R) DSL -- BellSouth FastAccess DSL
provides maximum download speeds of up to 1.5Mbps and upload
speeds of up to 256 kbps, and is available for $45 per
month(1).
-- BellSouth(R) FastAccess(R) DSL Lite -- DSL Lite delivers
download speeds of up to 256 kbps and upload speeds of up to
128 kbps for $35 per month(1).
-- BellSouth(R) Internet Service -- BellSouth Internet Service
features dial-up Internet access and support of the faster
V.92 modem standard. BellSouth Internet Service is available
for $15.95 per month(1).
-- BellSouth(R) FastAccess(R) HomeNetworking Plus Service(2) --
HomeNetworking Plus enables subscribers to share FastAccess
DSL with up to four computers over a home network. The service
is available for an additional $10 per month and customers can
choose either a wired configuration that utilizes existing
phone lines to network computers, or the newly available
wireless solution that provides added flexibility by
connecting computers without cables.
In addition to rolling out FastAccess DSL Lite, BellSouth is expanding the menu of features that customers can use in conjunction with all of BellSouth FastAccess DSL services including Static IP, Parental Controls Plus, Firewall Monitor and Web Remote Access. Static IP, which enables customers to create a permanent IP address and is ideal for telecommuters and online gamers, is available for $14.95 per month. Parental Controls Plus with Firewall Monitor, which helps protect computers against undesired content and harmful Internet threats, is available for $6.95 per month(2). Web remote access, which allows users to access their home computer from remote locations, is available for $4.95 per month and is ideal for those 'on-the-go' such as traveling salespersons(2).
BellSouth FastAccess DSL promotional offer:
FastAccess DSL includes a free month of service, free DSL modem and free activation - available via rebate and with a 12-month commitment. Customers who order online at www.fastaccess.com also receive $50 cash back. New BellSouth FastAccess DSL and FastAccess DSL Lite subscribers also can choose one of three online entertainment packages for signing up. New customers can select from several different online gift packs: BellSouth(R) Kid's Pick, BellSouth(R) Movies & More or BellSouth(R) Got Game. These packages allow customers to experience the added value and capabilities of broadband service and include access to free games from WildTangent or GameHouse, a year subscription to Disney's Blast and free PhotoJam 3 Pro photo software. Customers also enjoy an award-winning home page (www.home.bellsouth.net), which is also available in Spanish (www.miportal.bellsouth.net).
BellSouth provides DSL service to approximately 73 percent of the households and businesses in its nine-state operating area in the Southeast. As of March 31, 2003 (reported in first quarter earnings), BellSouth serves more than 1,122,000 DSL customers throughout its region. For more information or to order BellSouth FastAccess DSL Internet Service, visit www.fastaccess.com or call 1-800-321-ADSL.
For a detailed product matrix of BellSouth Internet Services for residential customers, click here: http://www.bellsouthcorp.com/productmatrix.pdf.
(a) Listed prices are with a qualifying BellSouth bundle such as BellSouth Answers, BellSouth Complete Choice or BellSouth Area Plus. Standalone prices are slightly higher.
(b) Requires the use of a home networking gateway device.
About BellSouth Corporation
BellSouth Corporation is a Fortune 100 communications services company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, serving more than 44 million customers in the United States and 14 other countries.
Consistently recognized for customer satisfaction, BellSouth provides a full array of broadband data solutions to large, medium and small businesses. In the residential market, BellSouth offers DSL high-speed Internet access, advanced voice features and other services. BellSouth also offers long distance service throughout its markets, serving both business and residential customers. The company's BellSouth Answers(SM) package combines local and long distance service with an array of calling features; wireless data, voice and e-mail services; and high-speed DSL or dial-up Internet service. BellSouth also provides online and directory advertising services through BellSouth(R) RealPages.com(SM) and The Real Yellow Pages(R).
BellSouth owns 40 percent of Cingular Wireless, the nation's second largest wireless company, which provides innovative data and voice services.
No comments:
Post a Comment