Official: AT&T Providing DC Internet Access

Here are the official details from Next Generation:

As an incentive to use Sega’s preferred provider, gamers signing up with AT&T WorldNet service for use with the console will receive a free Dreamcast keyboard.

Unfortunately, online gaming will not be provided on the Sega Dreamcast Network from the outset. “We’re not announcing any dates regarding online gaming at this time,” said Stolar. “Full online gaming will be available next year. Sega is committed to providing triple A titles to its customers, games that push the envelope.”

How much will using AT&T through your Dreamcast cost you? AT&T will keep its standard pricing policy for the service. The cost weighs in at $19.95 for 150 hours of access, or an unlimited access price plan for $21.95.

All functions available on the Japanese equivalent will be there in the US. From day one, downloads for the VMU will be available for Sonic the Hedgehog. Email and chat rooms will also be up and running from the word go.

Now, continuing coverage from Excite:

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Sega of America, a U.S. unit of Japan’s Sega Enterprises Ltd., Wednesday said the videogame equipment maker picked telephone giant AT&T Corp. to provide Internet access for its new Dreamcast game console.
The highly anticipated Dreamcast, to be launched next month, will be the first gaming console capable of logging on to the Internet, with a 56 kilobit modem and a price of $199.

In a conference call, Sega said Dreamcast customers could sign up to AT&T’s WorldNet Internet service under several plans, including a standard plan of 150 hours a month for a monthly fee of $19.95, or unlimited access for $21.95.

Sega said the first Dreamcast game, Sonic Adventure, would have online components. It added that full online gaming — in which players compete against each other on the Internet — would not be available until sometime next year.

Monday, Sega said it had taken more than 200,000 pre-orders for Dreamcast, which it hopes will propel it ahead of rival console makers Nintendo Co. Ltd. and Sony Corp.

In addition to Internet access, Dreamcast will be the first console fitted with a 128-bit processor for speedy graphics display. Sega is promoting the machine in the United States with a $100 million marketing campaign.

More updates as they develop.