Globo.com announced its strategy for 2003 at a news conference in São Paulo, including the January 20 launch of Globo Media Center with an initial streaming video portfolio of 50,000 titles. It expects to add 10,000 new videos per month, comprising programs from both TV Globo and Globosat channels (news, sport, soaps, documentaries etc). Another novelty is the debut of Globo.com as a dialup ISP, although broadband access remains its core business. The portal will also stop providing free email service. Only subscribers will have email accounts from now on, but anyone will be able to use Globo Media Center for 15 Brazilian Reals per month (now about 4.30 US Dollars) even if they access it via another ISP. Juarez Queiroz, CEO of Globo.com, says the aim is to be the leading broadband ISP by 2005 with a market share of 20%. ?The decision to offer dialup access as well was tactical, not strategic,? he explains, adding that dialup subscribers will be offered inducements to ?migrate? to broadband. Globo.com has signed deals with the ILECs to cover the 30 largest cities in Brazil. It also has arrangements with Net Serviços for cable modem (Vírtua) and Embratel for satellite access. Juarez Queiroz rules out exclusivity with any telco.
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