Dell, AT&T tout wireless Net access

Dell Computer customers will be able to connect to the Internet through AT&T Wireless' cellular networks under a new agreement between the two companies.

Dell said customers who purchase access to the network no longer have to search for a wireless "hot spot"--a public area outfitted with wireless networks--before getting Internet access. Instead, they can use existing AT&T Wireless' cellular networks anywhere the company provides coverage.

"Our customers' time is valuable, and we're committed to providing them a variety of options for wireless connectivity, both local and wide-area networking," Anthony Bonadero, director of Dell's wireless product group, said in a statement.

People who want to take advantage of the service must buy the tri-band SierraAirCard 750 wireless cellular modem, which they can purchase when they sign up for a service plan. The modems, which normally cost $299.99, are on sale for $224.99. Fees to access the network start at $29.99 per month and are based on megabytes used per month.

The company said data will be transmitted through the cellular network at about the same speed as an analog dial-up modem.