Juno, Time Warner reach Internet-access agreement

Juno Online Services and Time Warner Cable have solidified their relationship by signing an agreement covering the provision of Juno’s high-speed Internet access service over Time Warner’s cable systems.

This marks the second such agreement for Time Warner, now a part of AOL, as it complies with federal open-access requirements to open its networks to multiple ISPs. EarthLink signed a previous agreement and is working with Time Warner--and Juno--in a trial in Columbus, Ohio.

“They’re both part of the same test in Columbus,” said Time Warner Cable spokeswoman Lynn Yeager, adding “obviously, we don’t talk about the details of the agreement, this contract. That test is on track, and we hope it will be completed around the middle of the year.”

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and, to some extent, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) attached open-access requirements to AOL’s merger with Time Warner earlier this year. As such, Time Warner Cable is testing the technical possibilities of running multiple ISPs on its high-speed broadband networks, along with AOL and Road Runner, its incumbent high-speed service.

The trial, however, began before that government nudge.

“Last year, we signed a letter of intent with Juno,” said Yeager. “Since then, we’ve been working on the definitive deal and, today, we were able to announce the final deal with them.”