Sony widens Internet access offer

TOKYO, Japan -- Japanese consumer electronics giant Sony Corp said on Monday it will offer high-speed Internet access services for businesses in the Tokyo area.

It will use ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) technology, which can transmit data at speeds about 10 times those of conventional telephone connections.

Sony's shares traded Monday at 8150 yen, down 0.6 percent, while the benchmark Nikkei 225 average lost 1.9 percent.

Sony began offering broadband Internet access services using wireless technology last July, but has only 200 corporate customers.

It aims to expand its corporate customer base through the new cut-rate service, a Sony spokesman said.

Greater inteegration with consumer electronics side

The company expects increased integration of its Internet and network services with its mainstream consumer electronics business. It aims to gain expertise and promote the development of Internet services in Japan.

Several Internet and telecoms service providers in Japan are launching or expanding operations to provide ADSL services.

Japan has lagged behind the United States, South Korea and several other advanced nations in the development of high-speed Internet access services.

Sony's new ADSL service, launched on Monday, will charge 49,800 yen (about $400) per month, compared with monthly charges of 150,000 yen for its wireless Internet access.

Both services offer download speeds of 1.5 megabits per second, similar to other ADSL service providers.

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp, Japan's dominant telecoms carrier, as well as Canon, Japan Telecom Co and other firms also offer corporate ADSL services in Japan, the Sony spokesman said.

Reuters contributed to this report.