Adelphia Communications Corp. became the latest MSO to partner with a telephone company for voice-over-Internet-protocol service, landing a deal with AT&T Corp.
In a statement, AT&T said it has signed a marketing agreement with Adelphia for its CallVantage VoIP service for the MSO’s high-speed Internet customers.
Under the agreement, Adelphia will serve as AT&T’s preferred broadband provider for customers wishing to sign up for AT&T CallVantage Service in Adelphia service areas. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
As part of the agreement, AT&T will launch a marketing campaign to educate Adelphia customers about CallVantage, focusing on unlimited local and long-distance service and features such as personal conferencing, do not disturb and e-mail voice messages.
“We’re doing everything possible to drive broadband penetration beyond its current levels,” said AT&T senior vice president of Internet telephony Cathy Martine in a statement. “We’re educating consumers on the benefits of this exciting new technology, we’re entering the retail channel with national leaders, and we’re enhancing AT&T CallVantage Service with even more innovative features. Agreements like this one with Adelphia will help consumers overcome the biggest barrier to service adoption, a broadband connection.”
AT&T will also make it easier for consumers to sign up for Adelphia’s broadband service when they inquire about CallVantage. Those customers will receive self-install kits for both services or can choose professional installation for an additional fee.
CallVantage service is available in about 170 U.S. markets.
