BellSouth, Dell Computer Partner for High-Speed Internet Connection Service.

Byline: Michael E. Kanell

Mar. 28--It's a case of Bell meets Dell.

In a pact that underscores the emergence of high-speed lines as the Internet connection of choice, Dell Computer this spring will start wrapping the modem and software needed for a digital subscriber line from BellSouth in its personal computers sold in the Southeast.

Dell is neck and neck with Compaq as the nation's top PC maker. So the deal announced last week is an important endorsement of DSL -- a sign that the high-speed service is starting to gain some traction after an excruciatingly slow start. In trade, BellSouth will be trying to sell Dell equipment -- especially upgrades -- to customers …