MSN pitches broadband to the masses

Microsoft introduced a broadband sign-up promotion on its MSN Web site that it hopes will also drive more people to subscribe to premium Web services. The MSN High-Speed Marketplace, launched Wednesday, asks visitors to enter their address, ZIP code and home phone number and then searches their local area for broadband plans. When someone orders a plan, MSN then offers its MSN 8 service as an add-on.

The Redmond, Wash.-based company's broadband partners include Comcast, Charter Communications, Sprint, Qwest Communications, BellSouth, Verizon and Mediacom Online.