TW LETS JUNO IN THE GAME

Several days after facing scrutiny from regulators for its planned merger with AOL, Time Warner has made its first deal to allow an independent Internet service provider access to its cable system, according to AP reports.

Time Warner Cable is set to announce Monday a preliminary agreement with Juno Online Services Inc. to offer high-speed Internet service to cable customers, the companies said.

New York-based Time Warner's promise to open its cable system to competing Internet service providers is being carefully monitored by regulators and the issue was highlighted on Thursday during Federal Communications Commission hearings on the Time Warner-AOL merger.

The merger has been criticized by NBC, Disney and consumer groups, who fear that the combination could result in an unfair concentration of power.

"This groundbreaking agreement underscores Time Warner Cable's commitment to offer its cable customers a choice of Internet service providers," said Glenn Britt, President, Time Warner Cable.