JERICHO, NY, June 19, 2008 - Optimum Lightpath^SM, an industry leader in providing advanced Ethernet-based communications services, today announced that it has been awarded the “Most Innovative - Competitive Carrier” Communication Innovators Award® from New Paradigm Resources Group, Inc. (NPRG) and Pipeline Magazine, and a “2008 Carrier Ethernet Service Provider of the Year” award from the MEF (Metro Ethernet Forum). Both awards were presented at NXTcomm08 in Las Vegas this week.

The NPRG Communications Innovators Awards® recognize service providers that implement cutting-edge solutions and demonstrate forward-thinking innovation.  The award was presented by NPRG, a leading strategic consulting and research firm for innovators within the communications industry. 

“NPRG continues to recognize companies that drive the communications industry forward,” said NPRG’s Executive Vice President Craig Clausen. “Optimum Lightpath stood out for the innovation and competitive spirit the company has introduced into the dynamic communications market. We’re pleased to honor Optimum Lightpath with this award and recognize the company for its ingenuity and diligence.”

Optimum Lightpath was also a recipient of the “2008 Carrier Ethernet Service Provider of the Year, Services Innovations Category” among North American Carrier Ethernet providers by the MEF, a global industry alliance whose mission is dedicated to accelerating the worldwide adoption of Carrier Ethernet networks and services. This is the third consecutive year that Optimum Lightpath was honored by the MEF.  

“Optimum Lightpath has been recognized again this year because of its continued commitment to service leadership and dedication to simplifying the adoption of Carrier Ethernet networks and services,” said Nan Chen, President of the Metro Ethernet Forum.

“We are honored to receive these two prestigious industry awards, a testament to the ongoing dedication and innovation exhibited by the Optimum Lightpath team,” said Dave Pistacchio, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Optimum Lightpath. “Our successful innovations are based on truly listening and responding to the needs of medium and large size businesses in the largest business market in the world.”

Optimum Lightpath’s Metro Ethernet service is helping to increase productivity, streamline operations and lower the total cost of ownership (TCO) for enterprise customers across the New York metropolitan area, resulting in high customer satisfaction, specifically among hospitals, financial institutions and major corporations using its services. 

Businesses interested in learning more about Optimum Lightpath’s Metro Ethernet services can visit http://www.optimumlightpath.com or call 1-877-LIGHTPATH. 

About Optimum Lightpath
Optimum Lightpath, a division of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC), and an industry leader in providing advanced Ethernet-based data, Internet, voice, video transport solutions and managed services over its Intelligent Enterprise Network, uses the power of its  reliable and resilient fully fiber optic network to deliver these solutions to businesses throughout the New York metropolitan area. Since its formation almost 20 years ago, Optimum Lightpath has built an advanced fiber-to-the-business-premises network extending more than 2,750 route miles throughout the tri-state area with more than 2,800 fiber lit buildings. As a result of owning and maintaining this state-of-the-art network, Optimum Lightpath is able to reliably provide scalable, high-capacity IP-based Metro Ethernet services that support high bandwidth data, Internet, voice and video applications that dramatically improve the enterprise customer’s quality of experience.

Optimum Lightpath has been recognized for 10 straight years by the New York State Public Service Commission with its Commendation for Excellent Customer Service. This year, the company was named 2008 Frost & Sullivan North American Ethernet Service Emerging Company of the Year. In 2007, Optimum Lightpath was named Heavy Reading’s North American Ethernet Service Provider of the Year for Regional Innovation and named Best North American Regional Service Provider of the Year by the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF). Optimum Lightpath was one of the first service providers in the world and the only North American MSO to earn Carrier Ethernet certification from the MEF. For more information, visit www.optimumlightpath.com.

About Cablevision
Cablevision Systems Corporation is one of the nation’s leading entertainment and telecommunications companies.  Its cable television operations serve more than 3 million households in the New York metropolitan area. The company's advanced telecommunications offerings include its iO TVSM digital television, Optimum Online® high-speed Internet, Optimum Voice® digital voice-over-cable and its Optimum Lightpath integrated business communications services. Cablevision’s Rainbow Media Holdings LLC operates several successful programming businesses, including AMC, IFC, WE tv and other national and regional networks. In addition to its telecommunications and programming businesses, Cablevision owns Madison Square Garden and its sports teams, the New York Knicks, Rangers and Liberty. The company also operates New York’s famed Radio City Music Hall, and owns and operates Clearview Cinemas.