July 10, 2008
NEW YORK and CHICAGO – Verizon, which has become the nation’s ninth-largest video distributor in less than three years, and Big Ten Network have announced that Verizon will make Big Ten Network available in both standard definition and high definition. Big Ten Network has already joined Verizon’s most widely available level of service in the Ft. Wayne, Ind., area and will launch during the next few months, region by region, in all additional areas where FiOS TV is available.
Since launching FiOS TV in September 2005, Verizon has signed up more than 1.2 million customers who enjoy hundreds of digital video and music channels, high-definition linear and on-demand programming, the nation’s largest collection of video-on-demand content, a robust interactive media guide, and other advanced features. Verizon’s FiOS TV, which is currently available to more than 6.5 million homes in 13 states, is delivered over the nation’s most advanced fiber-optic network straight to customers’ homes and businesses.
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The Big Ten Network produces more high-definition video content than any new sports network in television history, with more than 400 live events in its first year alone. Verizon and Big Ten Network are also expected to launch new video-on-demand and broadband content ventures together within the coming year, with subsequent details to be announced later.
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Terry Denson, vice president – FiOS TV content and programming, says high-definition content – especially sports – is among the most attractive offering for current and potential FiOS TV subscribers.
“Verizon has placed a high priority on providing the best in both sports and high-definition content to our FiOS TV subscribers,” said Denson. “Big Ten Network is an exciting addition to our channel lineup, giving customers a front seat to their favorite college football games. This is just one more illustration of our commitment to providing the very best channel offerings.”
Big Ten Network President Mark Silverman agreed, adding that FiOS – and Verizon’s major marketing support behind it – will prove another important means for millions of Big Ten universities’ alumni and other fans around the country to get access to the year-old network.
“As FiOS continues to roll out across the country, Big Ten fans can connect with their universities as never before,” Silverman said. “This is a tremendous way for both Big Ten Network and Verizon to attract more subscribers, and we look forward to a very long and productive relationship for many years to come.”
Big Ten Network is one of several new channels Verizon is adding to the FiOS TV lineup in areas where the company is already offering video service, including Fort Wayne, home to many fans of both Indiana and Purdue universities. FiOS TV is also available in parts of Pennsylvania, home to Penn State University, as well as other key states like New York, California, Texas and Florida, where there are many Big Ten alumni. The Big Ten is the nation’s oldest major athletic conference, and its universities boast more than 4 million alumni nationwide. Other FiOS TV states rolling out the network are New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, Oregon, Delaware, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
The Big Ten Network produces more high-definition video content than any new sports network in television history, with more than 400 live events in its first year alone. Verizon and Big Ten Network are also expected to launch new video-on-demand and broadband content ventures together within the coming year, with subsequent details to be announced later.