Cablevision Introduces Optimum Business Benefits to Help Customers Save Big

BETHPAGE, N.Y., March 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --Cablevision Systems Corp. (NYSE: CVC) announced today the creation of the Optimum Business Benefits program which is designed to deliver enhanced value for Optimum Business customers, who subscribe to both Optimum Voice and Optimum Online, in the form of discounted pricing and other valuable benefits from a variety of companies. Anchor tenants of the program include FedEx, Automated Data Processing, Inc, CardWorks and US Business Technology. Additional companies will be added to the program on an ongoing basis to provide pre-negotiated benefits and savings for members.

"Thousands of small businesses in the New York Metropolitan area depend on Optimum Business for reliable performance and savings on communications services and, starting today, Optimum Business Benefits provides additional savings on a number of fundamental services that are important to small businesses," said Stephanie Anderson, Vice President of Marketing for Commercial Services, Cablevision. "Optimum Business customers will get even more value from their relationship with Cablevision through special offers from top suppliers of mission-critical business functions including shipping and document services, credit card processing, office equipment leasing and payroll services."

The initial offers for Optimum Business Benefits members include:

• ADP  – Special offers on payroll and HR services
• CardWorks –Exclusive credit card processing fee reductions
• FedEx – Discounts on shipping and printing services
• US Business Technology  – Special pricing on office equipment and leasing, plus "white glove" (replacement) service

Optimum Business selected these initial companies based on the significant value each of them offer the small business community.  ADP, CardWorks, FedEx and US Business Technology all have existing vendor relationships with Cablevision and Optimum Business is extending these relationships to members of the Optimum Business Benefits program.

"FedEx understands and embraces the fact that small business is the backbone of our economy," said Karen Rogers, Vice President of Marketing at FedEx. "We are thrilled to be part of the Optimum Business Benefits program which is rooted in helping small businesses have real time access to important business services, saving them time and money, so they can focus on what's important – their customers."

"Being a part of the Optimum Business Benefits program aligns perfectly with ADP's commitment to the small business community," said Carlos Rodriguez, President of ADP Small Business Services.  "We already offer best-in-class payroll and HR solutions to thousands of clients in the NY Metro area and – as part of the program with Cablevision – look forward to helping even more small business owners accomplish their goals."

"CardWorks is excited to be an inaugural partner of the new Optimum Business Benefits program," said Dan Doyle, President of CardWorks Acquiring – Merchant Services.  "Our exclusive offer to Optimum Business customers provides small and mid-sized businesses a significant savings over their existing credit card merchant fees. It's a wonderful opportunity for businesses to increase their bottom line by reducing costs in these challenging economic times without any disruption to their current environment."

Added Phil Botempo, Executive Vice President of US Business Technology, "As a local company committed to giving back to the community, we are proud to join the Optimum Business Benefits program. During our 35 years of providing businesses with the most advanced products and solutions at competitive pricing, our commitment to personal attention has remained our primary focus.  We are excited to offer the White Glove Platinum Protection Plan designed specifically for Optimum Business Benefits members. Together with Optimum Business, we will continue the work that Optimum Business has done to help small businesses excel and look forward to serving the ongoing needs of our mutual customers."

In the past year alone, Optimum Business has saved its new voice and Internet small businesses customers in the New York Metropolitan area more than $100 million.  The Optimum Business Benefits program is designed to extend the savings beyond communications services small business need to operate on a daily basis.  

To enroll, qualified Optimum Business customers can visit the newly launched Optimum Business Benefits website, http://www.OptimumBusinessBenefits.com which includes a detailed landing page that explains the program, vendors and registration process.  Members will be asked to input their Optimum ID and then have immediate access to the offers from the Optimum Business Benefits program.

Designed for small and medium or home-based sized business that require high-speed Internet and voice communications, Optimum Business provides bottom line benefits like predictable flat rate pricing and highly reliable voice and data services.  The Optimum Business offering includes Optimum Online and Optimum Voice, for $29.95 per month each the first year when combined for new customers. For customers with four to 24 lines, each additional Optimum Voice line is available for $29.95 per line.   Optimum Online Boost with Static IP is available for an additional $24.95 per month. Optimum Business customers can add iO TV for their business for $39.90 per month.

To learn more about Optimum Business, including features, benefits and more, please visit www.optimumbusiness.com.

About Cablevision

Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC) is one of the nation's leading media and entertainment companies.  Its assets include its cable television operations, which provide industry-leading services to more than 3 million New York area households, and its award-winning television networks, which deliver some of today's most watched programming to hundreds of millions of consumers worldwide.  A state-of-the-art cable system enables the company to offer a full suite of advanced residential and business communications services that include its iO TV® digital television, Optimum Online® high-speed Internet, Optimum Voice® digital voice, Optimum WiFi® wireless Internet, and its Optimum Lightpath® integrated business communications solutions.  Cablevision also serves the New York area with compelling local content through News 12 Networks, a local news leader; MSG Varsity, a suite of television and online services covering high school activities; and, Newsday Media Group, a business unit that includes Newsday, Long Island's leading daily newspaper.  In addition, through Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, Cablevision operates successful programming and entertainment businesses, such as AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel, WE tv and IFC Entertainment.  The company also owns and operates Clearview Cinemas, which includes Manhattan's famed Ziegfeld Theatre, a frequent and historic venue for film premieres and events.

SOURCE Cablevision Systems Corporation