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Verizon’s FiOS to Carry Big Ten Network

Jul 9, 2008  •  Post A Comment

Verizon’s FiOS fiber-optic television service will start carrying the Big Ten Network as part of its effort to boost subscribers by offering more sports programming in high definition.
Verizon said today that the channel will be available in both standard-definition and HD versions.
The network, a joint venture between the Big Ten Conference and Fox Cable Networks that was launched last August, last month reached a carriage agreement with U.S. cable leader Comcast.
Verizon’s FiOS, along with the U-verse service from fellow telecommunications giant AT&T, has been trying to make headway against cable and satellite companies by boosting its inventory of standard-def and HD channels. FiOS, which launched in September 2005, had 1.2 million subscribers as of March 31, which is triple what it had a year earlier but still a fraction of Comcast’s 25 million subscribers.
“Verizon has placed a high priority on providing the best in both sports and high-definition content to our FiOS TV subscribers,” Terry Denson, vice president of content and programming for FiOS, said in a statement. “Big Ten Network is an exciting addition to our channel lineup, giving customers a front seat to their favorite college football games.”
Verizon said last week that it planned to roll out 15 additional HD channels during the next few months, including NBC Universal’s CNBC, Bravo and USA networks. With about 40 HD channels, FiOS’ HD linear channel inventory nearly matches that of Comcast, though it’s less than half of satellite leader DirecTV’s 95 channels.
Big Ten Network had about 30 million subscribers before reaching its agreement with Comcast. The channel, which covers 11 universities in the Midwestern states, will air about 400 live sporting events in its first year.

14 Comments

  1. That is the greatest news I have heard in months.

  2. I want Big 10, but nothing will make me go back to Verizon!

  3. I live in California, yet my heart belongs to the Big 10. Previously, I enjoyed seven years of outstanding service from DirectTV. I switched to FIOS in Feb 2008 because of their outstanding service, their incentives, AND their promise to add BTN.
    DirectTV provides ALL BTN programming in their “Choice” package ($29.95) – no need to pay more for any sports package. With this service, I’ve seen as many as four or five “channels” assigned for BTN broadcasts on football Saturdays.
    Will we have access to BTN in California? Will we have to pay a premium price for the programming? PLEASE STEP UP, VERIZON. You may only offer half of the HD programming available on DirectTV at the moment. Here is an excellent opportunity for you to meet the competition. DirectTV doesn’t care if I live in a Big Ten state, and they provide all BTN broadcasts without requiring a premium sports package.
    How will FIOS stack up, side by side?
    Thank you very much for any information you can offer.

  4. I have Verizon Fios big ten network. I live in Ft. Wayne Indiana(Zip 46835). Your website said it would televise the Indiana game Saturday Aug. 30.
    Well my IU party was a bust. We saw Ohio State play.
    Please, Zip code 46835 is not in Ohio. We are in Indiana and are Indiana fans.
    Thanks,
    Bill Crawford

  5. Does anyone know if Verizon is ever going to step up and offer more than one Big 10 channel? If not, goodby Verizon.

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