Forwarded message:

COMPUTER, PHONE COMPANIES SEEK TO SPEED INTERNET

graphic January 26, 1998 Web posted at: 9:46 p.m. EST (0246 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Top computer firms Compaq, Intel and Microsoft and leading telephone and networking companies Monday announced an alliance to promote high-speed Internet links over ordinary phone lines.

Telephone companies banded together and sought support from the high-tech giants to ward off a competing scheme for faster Internet connections relying on cable television wires.

The phone group said it will offer the International Telecommunications Union, which sets industry standards, a uniform method of connecting to the Internet using "asymmetric digital subscriber line" technology, or ADSL. Equipment makers plan to offer products based on the standard.

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