Staples to promote Comcast broadband

Broadband service provider Comcast on Tuesday said it will sell its broadband Internet service through Staples stores nationwide.

Under the alliance, Staples will sell Comcast's Internet service packages at more than 400 stores. Customers will be able to install the service themselves or opt for Comcast to install it.

Several ISPs have been joining hands with retailers to market their services, in a bid to expand their markets, with EarthLink and America Online promoting their Internet offerings in Best Buy stores.

"Comcast's broadband Internet sales strategy is about aligning to customers' buying preferences. Our goal is to be in front of customers wherever and whenever they might consider purchasing broadband Internet service," Bob Faught, senior vice president of retail and commercial online sales, said in a statement.

Staples said it will offer a $150 mail-in rebate on Comcast service until the end of the year.