Freedom2Surf unveils broadband gaming package

The UK ISP is charging £29.99 per month for the 1Mbps 'Power User' service or £22.50 a month for the slower 512Kbps connection. Both deals also include a year's subscription to Xbox Live and two free games - Halo and Mid-Town Madness 3.

Alternatively games fans can pay £257.24 for a Live!Online bundle that includes all the necessary hardware and software including a gaming compatible ADSL model, which can simultaneously connect to a PC and console.

Chris Panayis, managing director at Freedom2Surf said: "Online gaming is increasing in popularity all the time and I believe it will really enter the mainstream in 2004. Getting started with an online console gaming can be a complex process, which is why we have become one of the first ISPs in the UK to develop an easy to use and integrated package."

It is still unclear how popular Live!Online will be. Although nearly as cheap as its vanilla high-speed broadband connection - the company cut the price of its 1Mb broadband service by 25% to £29.99 before VAT in September - competition in online gaming is mounting.

Freedom2Surf has moved further into Microsoft's gaming territory, which is rapidly expanding through agreements with service providers and telcos. Furthermore, the Redmond giant's decision to partner with SpyGame to put 24 PC titles including Halo online, announced yesterday, could potentially present another stumbling block to its success.

BT also recently targeted online gamers with the launch of several all-in-one broadband packages, through a deal with console manufacturers.

10 November 2003:

4 September 2003:

"www.freedom2surf.co.uk ":http://www.freedom2surf.co.uk

"www.xbox.com ":http://www.xbox.com

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