Continental Cablevision launches Web site; Internet-based offering includes interactive TV listings, company information.

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 20, 1995--Continental Cablevision Inc., today launched a "home page" on the World Wide Web, tapping the public's growing interest in the Internet in order to better serve customers.

The interactive Web site (http://www.continental.com) -- among the first of its kind for a nationwide cable TV operator -- provides access to a variety of customer-oriented interactive information services. It also allows customers in the 20 states served by Continental to communicate with company representatives by sending inquiries and other e-mail requests through the site.

"We've worked hard to design a Web site that's fun to use and has real value to our customers," said Will Richmond, Continental's director of business development. "Our site gives on-line subscribers the ability to instantly get information about a variety of our services. Customers can access their local channel lineup, determine which of our offices is closest to them, explore the myriad of cable programming through Interactive TV Listings, or simply send us their questions and feedback."

One of the more innovative portions of the site contains the Interactive TV Listings (ITL), developed jointly with Tribune Media Services. In the ITL, customers can search through the complete spectrum of cable programming, customize channel lineup displays containing their favorite and most-watched channels, and plot out their television viewing preferences.

"The ITL feature represents a revolutionary concept in interactive listing services, allowing users unprecedented functionality compared to TV-based guides," Richmond said. "By using advanced technology, we are addressing our customers' demand for flexibility in getting information they need to make the best viewing choices for themselves and their families."

For instance, the ITL allows users to search two weeks' worth of television listings for their most-desired sporting events, favorite movies, or entertaining and meaningful shows for their children.

In addition, a customer can access a list of all programming services that Continental offers and be linked, via underlined text ("hypertext"), to those with Web sites of their own. Or users can click on hypertext that links them to definitions, explanations, or other portions of the Continental site.

Initially, the site contains company information about Continental's corporate background and activities, as well as thorough data and information on each of the company's cable systems in its 1.1-million-subscriber New England region. The ITL feature also is originally targeted to Continental customers in the company's New England service areas. In coming months, however, the Web site will be enhanced with similar information covering Continental's four other domestic regions.

"As our subscribers continue to be drawn to electronic services, it's crucial that we provide products that help them navigate among cable's rich resources," Richmond added. "The creation of our Web site is another important step in that direction."

Demonstrations of Continental's Web Site via a high-speed access line will be available at the Western Cable Show in Anaheim, Calif., Nov. 29 through Dec. 1, at a hospitality suite hosted by Continental executives.

Continental Cablevision Inc., the nation's third largest cable company, serves more than 4.1 million subscribers in 20 states and is a part owner of joint ventures providing cable television service in Argentina, Australia and Singapore.

CONTACT: Rob Stoddard, Director of Corporate Communications 

Phone: [phone]

e-mail: [e-mail]

or

Will Richmond, Director of Business Development

Phone: [phone]

e-mail: [e-mail]