Charter, One Economy to Bring Free Internet and Digital Literacy Training to St Louis' Low Income Residents

ST. LOUIS, March 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Charter Communications and One Economy, a global non-profit organization that leverages the power of technology to improve the lives of low income people, will partner with local community agencies in a pilot program to provide up to 1,000 St. Louis area households with free Internet service, training and affordable technology.

"Charter's goal is to help the communities we serve achieve their digital potential," said Ted Schremp, Charter's Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. "Access to high-speed Internet service, affordable computers and online training support is a necessity in order to open doors for job training, better health care and educational opportunities. Charter is committed to helping St. Louis residents, regardless of income or education, improve their lives through the use of technology."

Charter will provide approximately $700,000 in high-speed Internet service, modems and digital literacy training over a 24-month period in collaboration with One Economy and local community partner agencies.

"At One Economy, we are dedicated to working with our partners to empower low income people through the power of technology," said Moustafa Mourad, Interim President, One Economy. "In today's world, access to the Internet and online resources can mean the difference between poverty and economic livelihood. Bringing free broadband access to St. Louis' low income families will connect them to resources and opportunities they need to join the 21st century economy."

Charter and One Economy will utilize the resources of local partner agencies, such as long-time community development organization Better Family Life to identify households participating in the pilot program. In addition, Habitat for Humanity, Central Bank of St. Louis and Computer Village have joined the initiative to assist with training, technical support and access to affordable computer equipment.

The program will officially launch later this month.

About Charter

Charter Communications, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CCMM) is a leading broadband communications company and the fourth-largest cable operator in the United States. Charter provides a full range of advanced broadband services, including advanced Charter Cable™ video entertainment programming, Charter Internet™ access, and Charter Phone™. Charter Business® similarly provides scalable, tailored, and cost-effective broadband communications solutions to business organizations, such as business-to-business Internet access, data networking, video and music entertainment services, and business telephone. Charter's advertising sales and production services are sold under the Charter Media® brand. More information about Charter can be found at www.charter.com.

About One Economy

One Economy is a global nonprofit organization that uses innovative approaches to deliver the power of technology and information to low-income people. More than 17 million people have used One Economy's online tools and resources to build better lives. Learn more at www.one-economy.com. To date, One Economy has launched on-the-ground programs in 42 U.S. states, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

SOURCE Charter Communications, Inc.