I just got an email back from Sega Europe's consumer service, stating that the servers will not be connected after all (after being told the exact opposite three weeks ago). According to Sega Europe, this was Microsoft's decision.
That means: PAL version only on Euro servers, NTSC/US only on American servers, NTSC/J version only on Japanese servers. No playing with your friends if they happen to live in a different region.
I started an online petition some time back, but given the track record of online petitions, I guess it will be far more effective to call MS customer service and complain about it.
When you call MS, make sure the operator registers your complaint. That way it will be sent to a superior automatically who supposedly will get back to you. If enough people bug them, it might be possible to get this changed for the better. (This might require your Xbox to be registered.)
1-800-4MY-XBOX for US/Canada Puerto Rico
Check .www.xbox.com (the pulldown on the right top) for the phonenumber in your country.
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