RealNetworks(R) (Nasdaq: RNWK),
the leader in digital music subscription services with more than 1.3 million
subscribers, and Cox Communications, Inc. are teaming up to bring Real's
award-winning Rhapsody(R) music service to the cable operator's High Speed
Internet (HSI) customers. Cox, the nation's third largest cable operator, will
offer Rhapsody to its HSI customers in 2006. Cox will also offer certain
Rhapsody Web Services to it customers via its Cox.net portal.
Under the terms of the agreement, Cox HSI customers will have access to
the award-winning Rhapsody music service which provides unlimited on-demand
access to a vast library of music, streaming radio services, and much more.
Cox.net users will also be able to access certain Rhapsody services, without
the need to download PC jukebox software, from Windows, Mac or Linux
computers. In addition, for the first time, Rhapsody will be conveniently
integrated into a customer's cable bill.
"Combining Cox's award-winning high-speed Internet service together with
Rhapsody's music service is a win for our customers and our two companies,"
said Steve Gorman, Cox's vice president of marketing & management for Cox High
Speed Internet. "Our customers won't have to bother with filling out yet
another online subscription form or be asked to provide personal information
such as a credit card number. With our integrated billing system, Cox
customers can experience great music and continue enjoying the convenience of
a single bill."
"Real is committed to serving the needs of today's cable operators, and we
are very pleased to be working with one of the nation's premiere cable
operators to bring our digital music to their subscribers," said Dan Sheeran,
Senior Vice President of the Music and Video Division at RealNetworks. "By
pairing Rhapsody with Cox's High Speed Internet service, millions more
consumers will be able to experience our award-winning music service further
solidifying Real's leading role in online subscription music services."
Since launching in 2001, Rhapsody has received multiple industry awards
and honors. Last month PC Magazine honored the service with a Best of 2005
Award, naming Rhapsody "Best Music-Streaming Service," the latest in a string
of honors for Rhapsody. In March 2005, PC World awarded Rhapsody its coveted
Best Buy Award, and in 2004, Rhapsody was recognized as the 'Best Downloadable
or Subscription Music Service' in the Billboard Digital Entertainment Awards.