Cox Communications Expands International Programming and Calling Plans

Cox Communications Expands International Programming and Calling Plans

13 New Channels, 60 Free Monthly Calling Minutes, 16 Countries, 7 Languages

HERNDON, Va., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Communications Northern Virginia continues its commitment to provide the broadest combination of free and paid international programming and calling plan options in Fairfax, Va. The company recently launched an enhanced international offering of 13 additional digital channels and a low-rate calling plan that includes 60 free minutes monthly to 16 countries in parts of South Asia, China, Japan, the Philippines and Europe.

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The new lineup, which launched Aug. 29, offers a diverse range of content including the best South Asian (Sony TV and STAR India PLUS, STAR India GOLD and STAR ONE), Asian (GMA Pinoy, CTI-Zhong Tian Channel, Phoenix North America Chinese Channel, TV Japan and MYX), Russian-language (Channel 1 Russia and RTN), French (TV5MONDE) and Italian-language (RAITALIA) programming. With the new digital international programming, Cox customers have access to more than 34 international channels.

Customers subscribing to one of the new international premium channels can also bundle that with the Cox International 60 calling plan and easily reach friends and family in South Asia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines and Europe. The calling plan includes 60 free minutes every month, plus reduced per minute rates that can translate into a monthly savings of $4.20 to $21 depending on the country called.

"This is another exciting opportunity to give our customers the total communications and entertainment experience that they won't get with other providers," said Christine Pantoya, vice president marketing and sales. "They can watch their favorite programs in language, and call friends and family around the world to share in their day-to-day experiences all from the comfort of their home."

Customers can realize even greater savings by selecting an international premium in combination with the Cox International 60 calling plan. Packages start at under $56 and provide viewers with access to more than 250 all digital channels; over 100 free high definition (HD) programming choices; a Cox On DEMAND library of over 6,000 programs (movies -- including Bollywood titles, kid-friendly programming, sports, concerts, music videos and more); 60 free direct-dial minutes monthly to 16 countries with exceptional voice quality over Cox's 99.9 percent reliable network; and more. To get the new digital international premium channels and take advantage of the new Cox International 60 calling plan, consumers must subscribe to Cox basic phone and digital video services.

Cox, Making a difference

Each year Cox Northern Virginia contributes about $14 million in cash and in-kind contributions to schools, nonprofits and other organizations across its service area. With a keen focus on supporting diversity in Northern Virginia, Cox assisted over 150 local organizations through financial support and free on-air time in 2007.

Cox Communications ranked 6th on DiversityInc magazine's 2008 list of Top 50 Companies for Diversity(R). The list is determined through a comprehensive survey that measures CEO commitment, corporate communications and supplier diversity.

Recently, the National Association for Multi.ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) awarded Cox Communications first place for its multicultural print advertising campaign.

About Cox Communications

Cox Communications is a multi-service broadband communications and entertainment company with more than 6.2 million total residential and commercial customers. The third-largest cable television company in the United States, Cox offers an array of advanced digital video, high-speed Internet and telephony services over its own nationwide IP network, as well as integrated wireless services. Cox Business is a full-service, facilities- based provider of communications solutions for commercial customers, providing high-speed Internet, voice and long distance services, as well as data and video transport services for small to large-sized businesses. Cox Media offers national and local cable advertising in traditional spot and new media formats, along with promotional opportunities and production services. Cox Communications wholly owns and operates the Travel Channel. More information about the services of Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com, www.coxbusiness.com, and www.coxmedia.com.

                 Cox Digital International Premium Channels      Network           Channel           Short Descriptions                       Position    Sony TV (SET Asia)     270     A Hindi-language channel providing high-   (South Asian)                  quality, family-based programming                                  including: family dramas, action-packed                                  thrillers, lifestyle programs, game                                  shows, live concerts, talk shows, cricket                                  matches and more.    STAR ONE               274     The next generation of Hindi   (South Asian)                  entertainment targeting young, urban                                  Indian audiences and offering a divers                                  mix of original programs across a wide                                  range of genres.    STAR India PLUS        275     India's number one cable channel for   (South Asian)                  seven consecutive years, it has redefined                                  Hindi television entertainment with top                                  shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi                                  Bidaai and Nach Baliye.    STAR India GOLD        276     Highly popular Indian movie channel that   (South Asian)                  has one of India's largest Hindi movie                                  libraries.    GMA Pinoy              282     24-hour general interest channel in the   (Filipino)                     Filipino language.  Offers a terrific                                  variety of popular genres including                                  travel, sporting events and long-running                                  shows like Eat Bulaga and the Bubble Gang                                  gag show.    CTI-Zhong Tian         284     Features up-to-the-minute news programs   Channel                        and features, financial information and a   (Chinese)                      variety of entertaining programs.    Phoenix North          285     Features up-to-the-minute news, current   America Chinese                affairs, financial market updates,   Channel                        variety shows and dramas from China, Hong   (Mandarin Chinese)             Kong and Taiwan.  Programs include Good                                  Morning China, City Complex, Trendy                                  Guide, Perfect Match and more.    TV Japan               287     Brings the best in Japanese programming   (Japanese)                     to the U.S. like live news reports                                  broadcast in Japanese and English, Sumo                                  wrestling, period dramas, major sports                                  events and important Japanese films.    Channel 1 Russia       293     A diverse mix of programming, including   (Russian)                      news and documentaries, talk shows,                                  feature films presentations, game shows                                  and sports from the most known TV brand                                  in Russian television.    RTN                    294     Provides the highest quality 24-hour   (Russian)                      Russian language television in North                                  America including popular programs like                                  Vesti, Novosti Culturi, game shows, talk                                  shows, Russian movies and soap operas.    TV5MONDE               295     An international French language channel   (French)                       with programming from France,                                  Switzerland, Belgium, Quebec, Canada and                                  French-speaking Africa promoting the rich                                  diversity of the French-speaking world.    RAITALIA               296     Exciting Italian television programming   (Italian)                      24-hours a day. Offering a rich and                                  varied selection of the best shows from                                  its three Italian networks, including the                                  latest series, variety shows and cultural                                  events as well as live news and Series A                                  Soccer coverage.    MYX                    464     The ultimate music video and lifestyle   (English with some             channel for young Asian Americans.  A 24-   Asian language                 hour channel that entertains with an   music content)                 eclectic mix of music fusing mainstream                                  hits, the biggest jams from Asia and a                                  healthy dose of independent music.  

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Source: Cox Communications

CONTACT: Gwen Sparks of Cox Communications, +1-703-480-4916,
gwen.sparks@cox.com

Web site: http://www.cox.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment