The two companies are making it easier for customers in many regions to take advantage of fast broadband access with a value-priced package that includes installation, equipment and ongoing support.

The latest step in Gateway’s strategy to deliver customized technology solutions through local relationships, the alliance with Comcast brings broadband access to customers served by the country’s third largest cable company. The Gateway/Comcast Home service complements Gateway’s current offerings, making broadband service available to Gateway customers in 45 percent of cable-accessible homes.

Our broadband initiatives and alliance with an industry leader like Comcast play a central role in fulfilling our vision to become the leading local provider of integrated technology solutions, said Mike Flanary, vice president of communication solutions, Gateway. Broadband access brings great improvements to the customer’s Internet experience. Our Gateway Country(R) stores serve as a resource center for people who want to try before they buy, ask questions and get support from a knowledgeable, friendly face in their own neighborhood.

Consumers can come into their local Gateway Country store to preview broadband access, quickly find out whether it’s available to their home, and register for the service with a new Gateway PC or upgrade their current system. Comcast Home dramatically enhances the online experience and makes multimedia content such as digital media, digital music and games more compelling with downloads that are up to 50 times faster than 56K dial-up services . It lets users access the Internet through the same wires that deliver cable television service, providing an always on connection from the moment they turn on their computers. Customers also get unlimited use for a flat monthly fee, seven email accounts and 10MB of personal web space .

At Comcast, we’re committed to bringing our customers exciting new communications products and services that are easy to acquire and simple to use, said David Juliano, senior vice president and general manager of Comcast’s Online division. Expanding our retail distribution relationships with a leader like Gateway complements our strategy to provide customers more choices and to make our broadband services available where they shop.