ONCE YOU’VE GOT people hooked on a service, the sky is the limit. That seems to be the approach Microsoft is taking here in the UK at least, with it proposing a 50% price hike on its no doubt very popular Xbox Live! Service.

As the following emissive customers are getting indicates pretty clearly.

Dear Customer,

Your subscription to Xbox Beta (13 mths, GB) is scheduled to be automatically renewed to Yearly subscription to XBOX Live on 15 March 2004. Here is a description of the service:

We're glad that you've chosen to challenge your friends in the ultimate high-speed gaming arena, with access to downloads, tournaments, and exclusive features like your unique Gamertag and Friends List across every game. Your subscription to Xbox Live(TM) covers 12 months of Xbox Live(TM) service for GBP39.99, VAT Included. Unless you cancel your subscription before the end of the 12 months, your subscription will automatically renew to a monthly subscription, and you will be billed GBP4.99 per month VAT Included until you cancel it.