Skip to main content

InvestorsJune 6, 2001

Charter Communications & Circuit City Sign 63-Store Broadband Retail Agreement; Displays to Give Consumers Chance to Test Drive High-Tech Services

Share Article:

ST. LOUIS, Jun 6, 2001 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Charter Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:CHTR), one of the nation's largest broadband communications companies, today announced a wide-ranging agreement with Circuit City (NYSE:CC), a proven leader in consumer electronics retailing, that gives Charter premier space to display, demonstrate and sell its advanced broadband services in 63 Circuit City stores in areas served by Charter.

"This new partnership brings together Charter's technology leadership and vision of a Wired World with Circuit City's well-known expertise in retailing and new technology to deliver advanced services to a growing audience of broadband-hungry consumers," said Jerry Kent, President & CEO of Charter. "Working with Charter, Circuit City will offer consumers a hands-on opportunity to use our high-speed Internet service, view Charter Digital Cable(TM), buy cable modems, and purchase either service. This aggressive move into the retail segment will offer more and more consumers the ability to experience the power and convenience of our broadband products and services."

Mr. Kent said that at the Charter displays, consumers will have the ability to test either Charter Pipeline(TM) or Charter@Home(R) high-speed Internet service, purchase a self-install kit and/or cable modem, receive more information and order the service. In addition, consumers will be able to view and order Charter Digital Cable service and view other new advanced digital services.

The first Charter displays are expected to be installed as early as July. "With both a data and digital television in-store presence, Charter will have the ability to capitalize on selling multiple services to consumers and gain an important foothold in the retail market," Mr. Kent said.

    About Charter Communications
With nearly 6.4 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 Circuit City
Circuit City is a leading national retailer of brand-name consumer electronics, personal computers and entertainment software. With headquarters in Richmond, Va., Circuit City operates 595 Circuit City Superstores and 32 mall-based Circuit City Express stores, giving it more locations in more markets than any other consumer electronics specialty retailer. For more information, access Circuit City's web site at www.CircuitCity.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.

CONTACT:          Charter Communications, St. Louis
                  Media: Andy Morgan, 314/543-2217
                  amorgan@chartercom.com
                  or
                  Analysts: Mary Jo Moehle, 314/543-2397
                  mmoehle@chartercom.com