Cablevision Introduces High-Speed Cable Modem Internet Service to Connecticut With Launch of Optimum Online

Cablevision Utilizes Cable Modem Technology to Offer Connecticut its Most Advanced High-Speed Alternative to Telephone Internet Access

Norwalk, CT, October 15, 1997 -- Cablevision of Connecticut today launched Optimum Online, its high-speed cable modem service which will allow customers to go online at speeds up to 100 times faster than conventional telephone modems. The service, which will be available initially in Westport, combines the latest generation of high-speed Internet access technology with the most current and useful local and regional multimedia content.

Optimum Online is the latest in a series of advanced services introduced by Cablevision. Just last month, Cablevision announced a dramatic expansion to a 110-channel video service in Fairfield and New Haven counties. These initiatives follow the successful introduction of Optimum TV into the market and come as the company nears completion of a three-year, $243 million rebuild of its telecommunications system. Cablevision's new state-of-the-art network will make possible digital services such as Optimum Online, enhanced channel capacity, video on demand, HDTV and competitive choice in local telephone calling.

"Cablevision is delivering on its commitment to provide Connecticut with the most advanced telecommunications service in the nation using a technology unmatched by any rival," said Pat Falese, senior vice president, Regional Operations, Cablevision Systems Corp. "Optimum Online brings some of the greatest benefits of the new digital age -- access to the world of online information and entertainment, delivered at extraordinary speed," she continued.

Optimum Online is a broadband service which employs cable modems and, by operating on the cable system, does not require a second phone line. The service allows users to download large data files in seconds, as opposed to minutes via standard telephone connections, and there is no interference with cable television use.

Optimum Online connects users directly to seven categories of information services -- News, Sports, Weather, Entertainment, Community, Learning, KidStar -- and has hotlinks to popular Internet sites. The exclusive, proprietary local and regional content services available on Optimum Online include News 12 Interactive, SportsChannel, Community Center and ExtraHelp Online, an online version of Cablevision's popular local channel. The service is available for $19.95 to $34.95 depending on the customer's level of cable service. In addition, there is a $10 per month charge for cable modem rental. The cable modems are also available for sale.

Cablevision's launch of Optimum Online includes a commitment to extend the benefits of the new digital network to schools in the company's franchise areas throughout Connecticut. Beginning with the Westport school district, Cablevision of Connecticut is working with educators throughout the state to ensure that all schools are connected to the Internet via high-speed cable modem access.

In the coming months, Cablevision will begin offering a high-quality, low-cost commercial telephone service through its subsidiary, Cablevision Lightpath Inc.

Cablevision of Connecticut and Cablevision of Southern Connecticut serve more than 200,000 customers in Fairfield and New Haven counties. Cablevision Systems Corporation is the nation's sixth largest operator of cable television systems, serving more than 2.9 million customers in 19 states with major operations in Boston, Cleveland and the New York metropolitan area, where Cablevision has 1.7 million customers. Its subsidiary, Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc., manages entertainment, news and sports programming services. Cablevision Lightpath, a wholly owned subsidiary, provides telephone service to more than 600 business customers on Long Island.