Consumers are now able to sign up for AOL Broadband and buy an Easy-Install modem pack in stores across the UK, thanks to agreements AOL has reached with Comet and The Carphone Warehouse. The deals mean that the stores will be able to provide a convenient one-stop shop for AOL Broadband. Comet is promoting and distributing AOL Broadband in its 260 stores across the UK. In-store activity includes display units containing AOL Broadband Easy-Install modem packs and AOL Broadband booklets on counters. This will be supported by above-the-line joint marketing activity. AOL Broadband is also available in a selection of Carphone Warehouse stores, with a nationwide rollout planned for next year. Stores will promote the benefits of AOL Broadband using a variety of in-store materials, including posters, Easy-Install modem packs and AOL Broadband booklets.

Both deals are extensions of existing agreements that AOL has with Comet and The Carphone Warehouse for distribution of AOL's narrowband service and represent a further step in AOL's strategy to directly target UK consumers with AOL Broadband, coinciding with a major press and poster advertising campaign. Karen Thomson, chief executive of AOL UK, said: "Our aim is to make it as easy and stress-free as possible for consumers to sign up for broadband. AOL already offers telephone and online registration, and these stores will give consumers the opportunity to learn more about broadband and make that important purchasing decision."

Bill Moir, computing category manager at Comet, said: "We have a very successful relationship with AOL, so we were keen to extend this to broadband. We always seek to offer Comet shoppers good value, high quality services to underpin our competitive computing offering and are sure that AOL's fully-featured broadband package will be popular."

Paul Halliwell of The Carphone Warehouse commented: "We are delighted to add AOL Broadband to the range of online services we currently offer. We have extensive experience of selling subscription products like AOL Broadband and have worked closely with AOL to ensure we are able to offer potential AOL Broadband members a fantastic service."

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"Jonathan Lambeth, Head of corporate media relations"
020 7348 8272
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