Lycos Offers Internet Access Through AT&T WorldNet

Lycos (LCOS) Tuesday officially launched its Internet access service jointly with ATT (T) WorldNet.

The cobranded service goes by the unwieldy name of Lycos Online Powered by AT&T WorldNet Service. AT&T WorldNet will provide the connectivity to subscribers and will direct them to the Lycos search engine as the default home page. The joint service is available to users for $12.95 a month for the first three months, and $19.95 a month thereafter. The monthly fee includes 150 hours of Internet access with a charge of 99 cents for each additional hour.

"Together, AT&T WorldNet Service and Lycos are offering consumers a rich Internet experience that speaks to their individual needs and provides fast access to the Web," said AT&T WorldNet president Dan Schulman in a statement.

This service is not to be confused with the Excite (ATHM) Online Powered by AT&T WorldNet Service, a similar arrangement made available through Lycos competitor Excite last month. And don't be surprised to hear about availability of a service likely to be dubbed Infoseek (dossier) Online Powered by AT&T WorldNet Service sometime in the coming weeks.

AT&T announced the flurry of portal deals in early May in an effort to compete with a Yahoo (YHOO)-MCI service launched earlier this year and the growing success of America Online (dossier), the first provider to package Internet access with content channels and community features.

The Excite Online service is priced at $14.95 a month for twelve months and $19.95 a month thereafter. AT&T WorldNet also has cobranded "Communication Centers" on both the Excite Online and Lycos Online home pages that provide users with access to other AT&T services, such as calling cards and wireless services.