Diehard 'NSYNC fans who aren't satisfied with owning the group's albums, concert tickets, T-shirts and dolls can now get a little closer to the boy band by signing up for 'NSYNC-style Internet access.

In collaboration with Microsoft's MSN, the group will launch 'NSYNC@MSN, a specially branded online service, on Friday. In addition to e-mail and Web access, the $21.95-a-month service promises access to exclusive newsletters, photos and video footage.

We use the Internet not only as a tool to communicate with our families while on the road but to allow us to reach out to our fans in yet another way," 'NSYNC's Lance Bass said in a statement. "We are very excited about this venture with MSN.''

The service will also include 'NSYNC-branded versions of Microsoft's MSN Messenger and Windows Media Player software.

Several sports teams and at least one other music artist, David Bowie, have offered specially branded Net access before.

Aram Sinnreich,

an online-music analyst with Jupiter Communications, said that such arrangements will become increasingly common in the future.

I think it really makes sense as part of a larger, integrated subscription relationship between a consumer and artist," Sinnreich said. "You'll have the ability to bundle in digital music and exclusive content with Net access. It's a great way to keep the artist's name in front of the user's eyes."

In another online move, 'NSYNC will put a private concert up for bids on Friday at LiveBid. The auction, which will be featured on the December 7 Fox television special "The Ultimate Auction," will benefit the group's charity, Challenge for the Children.

'NSYNC will begin work early next year on their follow-up to the 10-times platinum No Strings Attached, which includes the hit "This I Promise You.