ADSL Services on Dell PCs for High-Speed Internet Access
Joint Initiative Can Bring Internet and Data Access
At a Rate 50 Times Faster than Today's Traditional Modems
SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- It will soon be easier for
SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE: SBC) and Dell Computer Corp. customers to
experience lightning-fast ADSL service. The two companies today announced a
joint initiative to provide consumers and businesses with high-speed Internet
access on Dell Dimension desktop PCs equipped with ADSL modems and services.
The two companies plan to begin implementing the arrangement early next year.
Factory-installing ADSL modems in Dimension desktop PCs is a component of
Dell's new ConnectDirect program, which will offer easy, fast and personalized
access to the Internet. SBC and Dell will plan to jointly market ADSL
(Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line). What this means for customers is that
they will be able to purchase ADSL-ready computers and ADSL service in a
single transaction by contacting Dell.
When combined with SBC ADSL services and modems, the Dimension PCs are
expected to provide Internet access at speeds up to 50 times faster than
today's traditional modems, all over existing phone lines.
"We're making faster Internet access and 'work at home' connections
available to our customers through ADSL, a high speed data service," said Dave
Gallemore, executive vice president of strategic marketing for SBC Operations.
"This alliance with Dell is an example of our desire to build a relationship
with technology providers to help us further enhance the value we provide our
data communications customers."
"Dell's initiative with SBC is the latest step in Dell's ConnectDirect
strategy to provide fast and easy Internet access to our customers," said Carl
Everett, senior vice president, Dell personal systems group. "By speeding up
Internet and corporate network access through ADSL-ready desktop PCs, we will
offer consumers a tremendous opportunity to enhance their online experience."
The joint initiative comes on the heels of SBC's May 27 announcement
regarding the availability of ADSL service in more than 180 California
communities. By the end of this month, it is planned that all 87 central
offices -- which currently serve approximately 4.4 million households and
650,000 business customers throughout the Golden State -- will be equipped.
Additionally, the company has signed agreements with 22 ISPs which will act as
authorized sales representatives for Pacific Bell's ADSL service and offer the
service to their business and residential customers. SBC plans to continue
deployment of ADSL technology in its service region.
The SBC-Dell initiative is designed to increase the availability and
accessibility of ADSL services, giving desktop computer buyers the ability to
rev' up their PCs at the time of purchase. By developing desktop PCs already
furnished with ADSL equipment, SBC and Dell help lessen the complexity of
onsite ADSL installations and will potentially reduce the need for new wiring
or installation visits at customer locations.
SBC's ADSL digital technology moves data over existing copper phone lines
at speeds up to 1.5 megabits per second (Mbps). Designed primarily for
Internet and telecommuting applications, it enables businesses of all sizes to
work smarter and home Internet enthusiasts to surf faster. ADSL can be used
to provide an always-on, direct Internet access solution that enables users to
download data, graphics, audio and video files over existing telephone lines
while simultaneously using a phone or fax machine.
ADSL allows telecommuting employees and after-hours home workers to
connect to their employers' corporate networks via dedicated links. Used with
Internet service, ADSL can provide online consumers and small businesses with
accelerated access to the World Wide Web. For example, it would take a
28.8 kilobits per second (Kbps) analog modem -- the most common modem used
today -- 41 minutes to download a short 72-megabyte video clip, compared to 48
seconds using ADSL.
This joint initiative helps advance the Universal ADSL Working Group's
(UAWG) goal of accelerating high-speed data and Internet access to the mass
market. The UAWG is comprised of leading telecommunications, personal
computer and networking companies. Ranked No. 125 in the Fortune 500
companies, Dell Computer Corporation is the world's leading direct computer
systems company, based on revenues of $13.6 billion for the past four
quarters. Dell designs and customizes products and services to end-user
requirements, and offers an extensive selection of peripherals and software
through the DellWare(R) program. Information on Dell and its products can be
obtained through its toll-free number 1-800-388-8542 or by accessing the Dell
World Wide Web server at dell.com.
SBC Communications Inc. is a global leader in the telecommunications
industry, with more than 34 million access lines and over 5.8 million
wireless customers across the United States, as well as investments in
telecommunications businesses in 10 countries. Under the Southwestern Bell,
Pacific Bell, Nevada Bell and Cellular One brands, SBC, through its
subsidiaries, offers a wide range of innovative services, including local and
long-distance telephone service, wireless communications, paging, Internet
access, and messaging, as well as telecommunications equipment, and directory
advertising and publishing. SBC (http://www.sbc.com) has more than 119,000
employees and reported 1997 revenues of nearly $25 billion. SBC's equity
market value of $74 billion (as of June 30, 1998) ranks it as one of the
largest telecommunications companies in the world.
SOURCE SBC Communications Inc.
-0- 09/23/98
/CONTACT: Brian Posnanski, 210-351-2686, posnansb@fleishman.com or
Juliet Travis, 415-356-1008, travisj@fleishman.com, both for SBC; or
Bill Robbins of Dell Computer Corp., 512-728-4100, or Bill_robbins@dell.com/
/Web site: dell.com
sbc.com
(SBC DELL)
CO: SBC Communications Inc.; Dell Computer Corp.
ST: Texas, California
IN: TLS CPR
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