News Release
Charter Communications to Deliver MSN Content and Services to Charter Pipeline Customers
Charter selects MSN as online partner to provide industry-leading technology expertise and award winning content to broadband customers
Today Charter Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:CHTR) and the MSN(R) network of Internet services announced the signing of a definitive agreement to make MSN content and services available to customers of Charter Pipeline(TM) high-speed Internet service. The two companies are collaborating on a unique broadband PC portal experience for Charter customers that will include a full range of MSN content and services, including a customized version of MSN Explorer. The agreement is the first of its kind between a cable company and MSN."This combination of Charter's state-of-the-art Internet access delivery system with Microsoft's award-winning content design will provide our customers the most comprehensive, high-speed data services available today," said Stephen Silva, senior vice president of Corporate Development & Technology for Charter. "This version of MSN Explorer will provide our customers easy and convenient access to streaming media, games and communications services that leverage Charter's broadband network and customer care. The new design provides screen space for Charter content and links to our programming partners and other products like interactive TV service. This is critical to fulfill our vision of a whole house service customized to an individual's needs within the home. It's ideal for families and will provide even more value to the Charter Pipeline experience."
"Working with Charter Communications is a significant step toward the MSN vision of delivering our leading content and services to consumers through a broadband connection," said Richard Bray, vice president of MSN at Microsoft Corp. "The combination of Charter's high-speed infrastructure and our top content and services will help take Charter customers' Web experience to the next level and redefine how they experience the Internet."
Charter customers will now have access to industry-leading MSN services such as the outstanding MSN Search as well as personalized MSN content modules. This is the first stage of a more comprehensive offering scheduled for early 2002 that will include a customized version of MSN Explorer and integration with additional services such as the MSN Hotmail(R) Web-based e-mail service.
Charter Pipeline customers will be able to use a customized version of MSN Explorer that is especially designed for Charter's high-speed data customers, offering all the standard content and functionality available today with MSN Explorer, in addition to Charter-specific content and functionality. The customized portal will also feature popular communications tools, such as e-mail, MSN Messenger, chat and buddy lists.
About MSNMSN is the world's most popular destination on the Web, attracting more than 250 million visitors per month. Available in 33 markets and 17 languages, MSN provides consumers with their home on the Web -- where they can get everything they need from the Web and make the most of their time online. MSN is a world leader in delivering Web services to consumers and digital marketing solutions to businesses worldwide. MSN is located on the Web at http://www.msn.com/.
About MicrosoftFounded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.
About Charter CommunicationsWith nearly 7 million customers in 40 states, Charter Communications, Inc., a Wired World(TM) company, is among the nation's largest broadband communications companies. Charter provides a full range of advanced broadband services to the home, including cable television on an advanced digital video programming platform, marketed under the Charter Digital Cable(TM) brand; and high-speed Internet access marketed under Charter Pipeline(TM) 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.
A Fortune 500 company, Charter is the 2001 recipient of the Outstanding Corporate Growth Award from the Association for Corporate Growth, the 2001 R.E. "Ted" Turner Innovator of the Year Award from the Southern Cable Telecommunications Association, and the 2000 Innovator Award for Technology from Cablevision Magazine. More information about Charter can be found at www.charter.com.
Statements in this press release regarding Charter Communications' business that are not historical facts may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any such forward-looking statements are identified in the reports and documents Charter files from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Microsoft, MSN and Hotmail are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft's corporate information pages.
CONTACT: Waggener Edstrom for Microsoft
Beret Severson, 425/637-7000
berets@wagged.com
or
Rapid Response Team, 503/443-7070
rrt@wagged.com
or
Charter Communications
Media:
Andy Morgan, 314/543-2217
amorgan@chartercom.com
or
Analysts:
Mary Jo Moehle, 314/543-2397
mmoehle@chartercom.com
