NOT NECESSARILY NEWS

Posted: 1/2003

Overheard...

"We are not looking for a free ride. We are just trying to figure out how to compete."

--Gabe Battista, chairman and CEO of Talk America Inc., referencing a proposal filed Nov. 6 with the Federal Communications Commission by 10 local phone companies offering what may be the first formal compromise over the availability of unbundled network elements. Under the proposal, competitors would be required to buy their own switches rather than leasing the Bells' gear after acquiring enough customers to justify a network investment. However, the Bells first must eliminate obstacles that could stymie an expedient and smooth migration from the incumbent's network to a competitor's switching facility.

By Word of Mouse

FastAccess DSL Racing, built by WildTangent Inc. for BellSouth Corp., delivers a fast-action, online gaming experience that entertains and educates consumers on the benefits of high-speed DSL technology. The average game last eight minutes, which far exceeds the time anyone will watch or read more traditional advertising. The free game, which can be played over any Internet connection, is available at www.dsl-playground.com/game.

In the game, players customize their own virtual stock cars and race to complete two laps while collecting as many "race credits" as possible. Race Credits can then be spent in the FastAccess SpeedShop to upgrade a car's engine, tires and turbo for better car performance.

Players are further challenged by the presence of Dial-Up Potholes and Cable Modem Speedbumps that slow players' cars down in the game. After racing, players can post their best race times to the FastAccess DSL Racing Leader Board and can send e-mail challenges to friends and family to beat their best scores. There are links throughout the site that take players to www.fastaccess.com, to learn more about the features and benefits of BellSouth's FastAccess DSL service, including service availability and ordering information.

Click Here to Enlarge