Gateway offers cable Net access deals

Starting Friday, Gateway will begin marketing special offers on Adelphia Communications' Power Link cable Internet service for customers in Southern California. Consumers who buy a new PC or a MusicWare software bundle will qualify to receive three months of service for $19.95 a month, a free cable modem, and free installation. After three months, service goes up to $34.95. Gateway will also sell the service separately. In that case, the modem costs $149, but the monthly fees remain the same.

The alliance helps Gateway expand its broadband coverage. The Poway, Calif.-based PC manufacturer already markets AT&T's @Home service and cable Internet access from Comcast. With the Adelphia deal, Gateway says it can offer broadband service to 50 percent of U.S. homes.