For 拢39.99, gamers will be able to by an Xbox Live Starter kit, enabling them to speak to and play against other Xbox owners online. A survey conducted by Xbox maker Microsoft of those who have tested the service so far said that 96% of users would recommend Xbox Live to a friend.
Xbox Live has partnered with BTopenworld as an official provider of high-speed internet access, compatible with the service.
The site has a section on signing up for broadband services, with links to BTopenworld, as well as Blueyonder and ntl:home, which also offer compatible services.
Information about BT's broadband packages will be included in the Xbox Live Starter kits. The kits are being sold by retailers including Toys 'R' Us, HMB and Comet. Gamers in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, North America and Japan are now able to play each other.
Duncan Ingram, managing director of BTopenworld, said: "Broadband gaming opens up worlds of opportunities for players. Xbox Live offers an intense gaming experience and it's a great brand to work with. BTopenworld is dedicated to the improvement of online content and investing in services like Xbox Live. Gaming is just one area that can reap huge benefits from broadband internet."
Other games available for Xbox Live include 'NFL Fever 2003', 'MechAssault', 'Moto GP Online', 'Unreal Championship', 'NBA 2K3' and 'Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Tides of War'.
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