News Release
Charter Communications Extends MSN Alliance With Co-Branded Internet Service
2003 International CES
ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 9, 2003--
New Service Provides Superior Communications, Browsing and Online
Safety Features To Charter Customers
Charter Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:CHTR) today announced an agreement with the MSN Network of Internet services which will allow Charter to promote and market a co-branded version of MSN 8, the new Internet service that offers consumers superior communications, browsing and online safety controls.
The agreement builds on an existing relationship under which Charter and MSN developed and introduced a co-branded portal (www.charter.msn.com) that is now used as the home page for Charter Pipeline high-speed Internet service customers.
By terms of the agreement, Charter Pipeline customers will be able to purchase the new service for $9.95 a month during the second quarter of 2003. In addition, customers will receive the co-branded service free for the first two months. The subscription will give customers all the content and new features of the MSN 8 service, plus access to content customized for Charter customers only. Under the new agreement, Charter and MSN also will continue to support and maintain its co-branded portal at www.charter.msn.com for all existing and new customers at no extra charge.
"The response from Charter Pipeline customers has been outstanding. We've received very positive feedback for the co-branded portal that we started more than a year ago with MSN. This new agreement combines our state-of-the-art, high-speed Internet delivery system with the superior qualities of the new MSN 8 Internet service," said Stephen Silva, Charter Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. "We believe our customers will perceive greater value from the combination of Charter Pipeline together with the new features and services available with MSN 8, which offers the richest online experience possible."
MSN 8 offers tools and conveniences unmatched by other Internet services. The enhanced communications and online safety features allow subscribers to filter out as much as 80 percent of unwanted junk mail and families to create as many as nine user profiles that can be customized to restrict the access of children to specific websites, online content and email addresses. In addition, kids can use age appropriate home pages and a web-searching tool with pre-screened sites, and parents can receive weekly history reports on their children's online activities. Other advanced offerings include full-featured email and advance browsing tools, such as a personalized dashboard, an onscreen spot when users can compile digital photos, instant messaging contacts, and other online resources.
"This new co-branded Internet service will allow Charter customers to have the most useful Internet experience possible," said Bob Visse, director of MSN at Microsoft Corp. "This is the next step in delivering a premium Internet service, including the things users care about most on the Web, better communications, parental controls, and browsing."
About Charter Communications
Charter Communications Inc., A Wired World Company(TM), is the nation's third-largest broadband communications company, currently serving approximately 6.7 million customers in 40 states. Charter provides a full range of advanced broadband services to the home, including cable television on an advanced digital video programming platform marketed under Charter Digital Cable(R) and high-speed Internet access marketed under the Charter Pipeline(R) brand. Commercial high-speed data, video and Internet solutions are provided under the Charter Business Networks(TM) brand. Advertising sales and production services are sold under the Charter Media(TM) brand. More information about Charter can be found at www.charter.com.
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CONTACT: | Charter Communications Inc., St. Louis |
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Media: | |
Andy Morgan, 314/543-2217 | |
amorgan@chartercom.com | |
or | |
Analysts: | |
Mary Jo Moehle, 314/543-2397 | |
mmoehle@chartercom.com | |