RCN Corp. and Lycos, Inc. Wednesday announced a strategic
alliance to collaborate on a number of Internet-based initiatives.
The two companies plan to develop broadband content to be deployed over
RCN’s fiber optic network. Terms of the deal include producing a co-branded
version of Lycos’ personal portal as the start page for RCN’s subscriber base.
According to David C. McCourt, RCN chairman and chief executive office,
planning for a future filled with broadband enriched content makes good
sense for the company.
McCourt said the “alliance between RCN and Lycos makes perfect sense, given
RCN’s unparalleled resources in the area of high-speed Internet access and
Lycos’ expertise in content development and deployment.” He added that
the “future of the Internet is clearly in the realm of high-speed content,
and RCN and Lycos are committed to bringing that content into every home we
jointly serve.”
Lycos’ broadband initiative, “Lycos Lightning,” is a network-wide
initiative to develop, test, and deploy services that exploit the power of
high-speed Internet access. Bob Davis, Lycos president and chief executive
officer, said the deal with RCN is part of the company’s overall plan to
develop and market co-branded Lycos products.
“This agreement marks an exciting step in Lycos’ strategy for
offering Lycos products,” he said. “Lycos Lightning is our platform for multimedia
information and entertainment services made possible by a high-speed
connection. We chose to align with RCN because they are a proven leader in
deploying cable modem broadband services.”
Lycos said it plans to continue to roll out Lycos Lightning products over the next
several months. Programming will be integrated into existing
Lycos portal services.
In addition to the broadband content project, RCN’s dial-up customers will
have access to a co-branded version of “My Lycos” as a part of the
alliance. RCN subscribers will be able to personalize their start page with
local news and weather as well as other individualized features.
According to McCourt, RCN marketing of broadband enhancements will focus on
building from their existing subscriber base.
“We use dial-up Internet access as a way to build a satisfied customer
base in advance of our network construction,” McCourt said.
RCN provides Internet services for more than a half million subscribers in
the Boston to Washington, D.C. corridor. The company currently provides
local and long distance phone services, cable television access and
Internet services.
