• by Fern Siegel , June 15, 2007

Comcast is promoting its high-speed Internet service in a hip arena--virtual reality.

The cable company has opened a new destination in Second Life, the online world with more than 7 million registered users. Comcastic Island, a virtual theme park, gives visitors an array of activities that highlight the company's services. It also affords a chance to interact with other Second Lifers.

Page Murray, Comcast's senior vice president, marketing communication and support, says that Second Life's popularity with young, tech-savvy consumers is a big draw for the company. "Comcastic Island is a great way for us to connect with that audience in an inventive and interactive way."

The media/marketing pitch is laser-focused: It's all about speed.

Comcastic Island features a collection of speed-oriented entertainment experiences designed to showcase the benefits of Comcast's high-speed Internet service. They include the Comcastic race track, where users can suit up and race one another; a jet ski, in which users can jump on a jet ski and race on a waterway; and the Comcastic Expo Center, which features a series of exhibits devoted to the speed idea.

Currently, Comcast has 12 million high-speed Internet customers.

In development are attractions that will promote Comcast's digital cable and digital voice services.