Americast adds SNET as partner

Business Wire, June 18, 1996

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 18, 1996--Americast and Southern New England Telecommunications Corp. (NYSE:SNG)(SNET) this morning announced that they have signed a letter of intent under which SNET will join Ameritech Corp., BellSouth Corp., GTE Corp., SBC Communications and The Walt Disney Co. as an Americast partner.

This is significant in that it expands Americast's geographic reach into the critical Northeast corridor. "Americast elected to offer SNET partnership, and SNET committed to our venture, only after a long and careful consideration of what each would offer the other," said Stephen A. Weiswasser, Americast chief executive officer.

"We are very impressed by SNET's aggressive plans to build , statewide, a high-quality distribution system, and by its commitment to the development of an innovative video product."

According to Daniel J. Miglio, chairman and chief executive officer of SNET, "After a careful analysis of all available programming options, we concluded that Americast offers far and away the best overall package for our consumers.

"We believe that Americast's approach to production and development of technology and content will enhance our success in what will be a challenging and competitive marketplace by offering customers the next generation in home entertainment."

SNET, among the most aggressive broadband network builders, has committed $4.5 billion to deploy its state-of-the-art hybrid fiber coaxial network. The partnership gives SNET the full range of americast(TM) programming and marketing services and access to the venture's innovative technology, which will enable it to compete successfully with other video program providers in Connecticut.

"The new partnership will give us a jump start in launching our video service and help us quickly become the home entertainment provider of choice in Connecticut," said Miglio. "Americast will give our customers the greatest level of choice and variety."

The americast service is currently being introduced into select markets across the United States. In addition to providing traditional entertainment services, the venture will offer innovative programming and develop such features as video-on-demand, home shopping and a variety of interactive services.

SNET anticipates a decision by the Connecticut Department of Public Utilities Control (DPUC) in September on its cable franchise application. SNET plans to launch its americast service in early 1997.

CONTACT: For Americast:

Robert Rene, 310/234-1412

or

For SNET:

Beverly Levy, 203/771-4474