Dell Computer Corp., Round Rock, TX, this week announced agreements with AT&T Corp.'s WorldNet Service, Excite Inc. and SBC Communications Inc. to offer Dell customers faster access to the Internet and customized content via Dell computers. Under the initiative, called Dell ConnectDirect, Dell customers who buy Dell Dimension PCs will find a direct launching point for an AT&T WorldNet Service free trial when they boot up their computers. After connecting to the Internet, customers will be greeted by a customizable Excite home page. In a separate agreement, SBC Communications and Dell said that beginning early next year they will jointly market asymmetric digital subscriber line technology, which is designed to give faster Internet access over existing lines. Factory-installing ADSL modems in Dimension PCs also is a part of Dell's ConnectDirect program. Financial terms of the agreements were not disclosed.
