Dell Efforts Under Way to Deliver Broadband Solutions with Leading ADSL and Cable Internet Providers
ROUND ROCK, Texas, -- November 19, 1998 -- Dell Computer Corporation (Nasdaq:DELL), the world's leading direct computer systems company, will begin taking orders tomorrow for the industry's first built-to-order PCs with factory-installed Cisco ADSL modems that will provide immediate high-speed Internet access to customers who use U S WEST !NTERPRISE MegaBit Services.
The new PCs will enable customers to access the Internet four to 125 times faster than traditional 56K modems* while using the same phone line to surf the Internet and talk on the phone.
Dell. Dimension. PCs with factory-installed Cisco Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) internal modems for select U S WEST customers are designed to provide customers an easy solution for high-speed Internet access. In addition, service and support is provided for the modems under Dell's standard system 3-year limited warranty** and 24-hour, toll-free hardware phone support. To receive this offering, customers must be in a select U S WEST coverage area and their Internet service providers must support U S WEST MegaBit Services.
"Today's announcement makes high-speed Internet access easier for consumers to get and provides a manageable telecommuting solution for our corporate customers," said Michael Dell, chairman and chief executive officer. "Dell is working with U S WEST to help confirm if our customers are eligible for U S WEST MegaBit Service and custom-configure their Internet PCs with a Cisco modem that's ready for U S WEST ADSL services."
Dell's fast Internet PCs are the latest milestone in Dell's ConnectDirect(sm) program to deliver customers fast, easy and personalized access to the Internet. Dell announced its first high-speed Internet initiative with U S WEST and Cisco in May. Since then, the company has begun working with industry leaders like Bell Atlantic, SBC, @Home and 3Com to provide high-speed Internet access on Dell's Dimension PCs for home and small business customers.
U S WEST provides MegaBit Services to customers in 46 cities across its 14-state region, including Denver, Phoenix, Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis, St. Paul and Salt Lake City. U S WEST's MegaPak option starts at $59.95*** per month and combines MegaBit Services and U S WEST.net, the company's Internet service provider. U S WEST.net offers unlimited Internet access to customers in 45 cities in the U S WEST region.
"U S WEST**** was the first to launch broad-based deployment of ADSL technology. Now in conjunction with Dell and Cisco, we will be the first to provide ultra-fast Internet access on PCs that are fully ADSL-equipped with factory-installed Cisco ADSL modems, making it even faster and more convenient to get customers online with MegaBit speeds," said Joe Zell, president of U S WEST !NTERPRISE Networking.
"Dell and U S WEST continue to break new ground in delivering high-speed Internet services to their customers," said Kevin Kennedy, senior vice president of the service provider line of business at Cisco Systems. "The delivery of factory-installed Cisco ADSL modems furthers Cisco's New World objectives while increasing the ease of delivering end-to-end ADSL solutions to businesses and consumers and decreasing the operational costs to service providers, like U S WEST."
Dimension PCs with the Cisco ADSL modem start at $1,399 and include a 333MHz Intel Celeron processor, 32MB of memory, 15-inch monitor (13.7 vis), 8MB video memory, sound, speakers, 32X max/variable***** CD-ROM drive, 8 GB hard drive, Microsoft Windows 98 and Home Essentials, and Dell's 3-year limited warranty and lifetime, 24-hour toll-free hardware phone support. For more information about Dimension products visit Dell's web site at www.dell.com/products/dim call 1-800-388-8542.
About U S WEST
U S WEST, (NYSE: USW) provides a full range of telecommunications services - including wireline, wireless PCs, data networking, directory and information services - to more than 25 million customers nationally and in 14 western and midwestern states.About Dell
Ranked No. 125 among the Fortune 500 companies and No. 363 in the Fortune Global 500, Dell Computer Corporation is the world's leading direct computer systems company, based on revenues of $16.8 billion for the past four quarters. Dell designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals.Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) is theworldwide leader in networking for the Internet.For more information visit Cisco PR Contacts
Cisco, Cisco Systems and the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
* U S WEST ADSL services and actual speeds may vary depending on proximity to an equipped U S West Central Office and the type of service purchased and conditions of the phone line and Internet. ADSL MegaBit Services is available to customers in select areas within the U S WEST territory who subscribe to and use Internet Service Providers who support U S WEST ADSL service. Upload speeds vary between 256 Kbps and 1Mbit per second. Download speeds vary between 256 Kpbs and 7Mbits per second. To receive this offering, customers must be in a selected U S WEST coverage area and their Internet service providers must support U S West ADSL. Separate rates and charges apply. Call Dell for more details.56K download speeds limited to 53Kbps. Upload speeds are less (in the 30Kbps range) and vary by manufacturer. Speeds also vary depending on line conditions.
** For a complete copy of our Guarantees and Limited Warranties, write: Dell USA, L.P., Attn: Warranty, One Dell Way, Round Rock, TX 78682
*** For more information about rates and services by U S WEST services and rates, contact the company at: 1-888-MEGA-USW (1-888-634-2879).
**** First to market claim supported by U S WEST !NTERPRISE Networking
***** 32X Max/14X minimum CD ROM.
Dell and Dimension are registered trademarks and DellWare is a registered service mark of Dell Computer Corporation. Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corp. Microsoft, and Windows 98 are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. Dell disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.
