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New modems go for launch
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May 6, 1998: 3:55 p.m. ET
Dell, US West, Cisco to offer high-speed 'Net service over copper wires
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - Three of the nation's leading communications and computer technology companies are pooling their resources to deliver high-speed Internet access over standard phone lines to homes and small businesses later this year.
Dell Computer Corp., US West Communications Group and Cisco Systems Inc. were set to announce Wednesday that they will introduce by mid-year personal computers with new high-speed digital modems that work over traditional copper telephone wires.
The asymetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) technology, which is up to 125 times faster than the traditional 28.8KB modems used today, will be available in more than 40 cities in US West's 14-state region.
"We each have something to offer," said Bod Michelet, a spokesman for San Jose, Calif.-based Cisco Systems. "US West is the communications company offering ADSL service in many cities in their service area. And Cisco has the modems that Dell is building into its [personal computers], which connect to ADSL. We are sharing."
Cisco Systems Inc. is the global leader in networking for the Internet. The company's products include routers, LAN and ATM switches, dial-up access servers and network management software.
Initially, Michelet said, the service will be available only in US West territories in the central and western part of the country.
"But we certainly have an interest in seeing these capabilities rolled out everywhere," he said.
US West Communications provides a range of telecommunications services -- including wireline, wireless PCS and data networking -- to more than 25 million customers in 14 western and midwestern states. The company is one of two major groups owned by Englewood, Colo.-based US WEST.
The announcement is the latest example of computer and telecommunications partnerships designed to help industry leaders stay ahead of competitors and gain market share.
Earlier this year, computer industry titans Compaq Computer Corp. (CPQ), Intel Corp. (INTC) and Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) joined with leading telephone and networking companies to set uniform standards and promote high-speed Internet access over ordinary phone lines.
Austin-based Dell Computer Corp. is the world's leading direct computer systems company, based on revenues of $12.3 billion for the past four quarters.
At midday Wednesday, US West shares were trading on the New York Stock Exchange at 52-15/16, down ¾, following the announcement. Dell shares were at 87-15/16, up ¼, on the Nasdaq and Cisco (CSCO) was up 1-5/8 at 75-1/4, up 1-5/8, also on Nasdaq. 
-- from staff and wire reports
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