GLENDALE, Calif., Nov 27, 2001 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Unique `i-channels' Offer On-Demand Content, Leverage Broadband Capability

Demonstrating the power of a broadband infrastructure, Charter Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHTR) and digeo, inc. today announced the launch of a new interactive digital television service that gives customers quick access to six virtual "i-channels" of news, weather, sports, entertainment, money and shopping information.

Developed jointly by Charter and digeo, these unique channels provide customers the latest on-demand national and localized news and information and are available at no extra charge to Charter Digital Cable(TM) customers in Glendale, Calif. This first-of-its-kind service is not available to direct broadcast satellite customers.

"Today's launch of this groundbreaking service delivers on the promise of interactive television and demonstrates the incredible capacity and power of broadband and what it can mean for customers now and in the future," said Steve Silva, Charter executive vice president and chief technical officer. "Combined with digital cable and products such as video on demand, this new service offers an exciting foundation for a host of interactive TV and broadband-based services yet to come."

"This is the kickoff of what will, in a few months, be the largest deployment of interactive cable channels in the U.S.," said Jim Billmaier, digeo chief executive officer. "We're excited to be part of Charter's leadership efforts in bringing new interactive services to TV viewers."

Beginning today, whenever Charter Digital Cable customers in Glendale turn on their televisions, they will automatically enter the "i-channel" portal, which is accessed through their existing television and cable equipment. Using the remote control, customers can move directly to television programming or access the six i-channels: News, Weather, Sports, Entertainment, Money and Shopping.

"As the broadband evolution continues to grow, customers will gain more convenience and control over their televisions," Mr. Silva said. "With this service, customers can get information instantly without having to wait. With a few clicks of the remote control, viewers can get local sports scores, track their favorite stocks, look up area movie theater locations and show times, plus go shopping for DVDs of their favorite movies."

He said this new service further boosts the value of digital cable. "We already offer video on demand and more local channels than satellite," said Mr. Silva. "Now, this new service, which comes at no extra charge to our customers, provides one more reason why we offer a product that's superior to satellite."

Mr. Silva said this new service will soon be introduced to numerous Charter systems in Southern California and throughout the country. "Giving people easy access to information and entertainment wherever they are is what our Wired World vision is all about," he said. "The television is no longer a passive device over which customers have no control. Now, our i-channels made it a user-friendly tool for fun and important information."

    About Charter

With nearly 7 million customers in 40 states, Charter Communications, a Wired World Company(TM), 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 the 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.

    About digeo

digeo inc., The Interactive TV Company, creates new opportunities for cable operators, content providers, merchants and advertisers by providing a set of interactive channels that deliver on-demand local and national news, weather, sports, entertainment, shopping, games, e-mail and more. digeo makes the deployment of iTV easier by building the infrastructure, integrating and enhancing existing content, creating original content, managing the network, and providing training and customer-care support based on the needs of its cable operator partners.

digeo was founded in 1999 by Paul Allen, with investments from Vulcan Ventures Inc. and Charter Communications and is part of Paul Allen's Wired World. More information on digeo is available at www.digeo.com.

CONTACT:          Charter Communications
                  Media: Andy Morgan, 314/543-2217  
                  amorgan@chartercom.com
                  or
                  Analysts: Mary Jo Moehle, 314/543-2397
                  mmoehle@chartercom.com
                  or
                  digeo, inc.
                  Media: Amy Pobst, 425/896-6000
                  amyp@digeo.com

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