Charter Communications Inc. has opened its doors to a competitive
Internet-service provider, striking a deal with Iserve Co. to provide service to
some of the MSO's Michigan territory.
The agreement allows Grand Rapids, Mich.- based Iserve to offer cable-modem
service alongside Charter's own Pipeline ISP in Grand Haven and Spring Lake,
Mich. The network passes 20,000 homes in the two communities.
Iserve will handle its own billing, customer support, electronic mail and
access for customers, while Charter will handle network operations from the
headend to the customer's home.
'This agreement reflects Charter's commitment to providing our customers with
choice,' said Gary Mizga, vice president of operations for Charter's Michigan
system. 'While many of our customers are loyal to Charter Pipeline, this
partnership will allow customers to choose Iserve as their cable
high-speed-access provider.'
The service will begin in the fourth quarter, and it may expand to additional
communities in surrounding areas.
