Real Adds New Fee to Subscriptions

RealNetworks is attempting to encourage its premium users to sign up for a yearly plan by adding a "handling fee" to its SuperPass and Internet radio services when paid on a monthly basis. The new fee will be extended to all Real offerings by the end of the year, according to the company.

The fee of 79 cents will be waived if the user selects to pay yearly. The company also says other discounts will be offered to its annual subscribers as well. The move comes as RealNetworks hopes to secure its user base in the face of increasing competition on the subscription front. Last week, Napster unveiled a new monthly offering for portable devices called Napster To Go.