Globo will transmit all 64 world cup games online

The Globo media group has reached an exclusive agreement with FIFA to broadcast all 64 games of the 2006 World Cup live over the Internet, a Globo executive said Monday.

Frederico Monteiro, marketing director for the Globo.com Web site, said Globo was the only group in Brazil -- and perhaps the world -- that will transmit every game live from Germany over the Internet using video streaming.

"It's the biggest event in the history of the Internet in Brazil," said Monteiro, adding that initial studies suggest as many as 100,000 people could tune in for the games.

Monteiro declined to disclose the cost of the deal except to say it was a "very large sum."

The entire tournament will be available to subscribers for a one-time fee ranging from 7.90 reals (US$3.43; euro2.69) to 14.90 reals (US$6.40; euro5.02), depending on the user's Internet connection speed.

Ninety-five percent of Brazil's 185 million people have access to television, while only about 35 to 40 million Brazilians have access to the Internet.

Monteiro said that because of the time difference between Brazil and Germany, most of the games would take place during working hours in South America, when many people could tune in via computer.

Companies in Brazil traditionally give workers time off to watch the national team in the World Cup, and Monteiro said businesses probably wouldn't object if workers watched soccer during business hours.

"This is Brazil. The boss will probably be watching, too," he said.

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posted by nscafuro @ 3:08 PM