Verizon FiOS TV to carry Big Ten Network

New York and Chicago -- Verizon, which has become the nation's ninth-largest video distributor in less than three years, and Big Ten Network 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 currently is 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.Terry Denson, vice president of 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, including suburban Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, as well as other 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 four million alumni nationwide. Other FiOS TV states rolling out the network are New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Oregon.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.Over the next year, more than 400 live Big Ten sporting events will be carried by the Big Ten Network in high definition, including football, men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, wrestling, gymnastics, field hockey, track and field and other NCAA-sponsored sports.Big Ten Network aired approximately 75 Penn State events during its inaugural year, with coverage of 23 Nittany Lion teams. Including coverage of 15 Big Ten Championships, Big Ten Network aired three Nittany Lion football games, 19 Nittany Lion basketball games, 12 Lady Lion basketball games and six matches of the 2007 NCAA Champion women's volleyball team amongst its Penn State coverage this past year.In addition, at least 60 hours of Penn State non-athletic programming aired on Big Ten Network and will do so annually.Big Ten Network will carry Penn State's season opener with Coastal Carolina on Aug. 30 (noon), the clash with Temple on Sept. 20 (noon) and at least one conference game during the 2008 football season.Big Ten Network launched Aug. 30, 2007, and became the first new network in cable or satellite television history to reach 30 million homes in its first 30 days. The network is available through DIRECTV, DISH Network, Comcast, Verizon-FIOS, AT&T U-Verse, Insight Communications, WideOpenWest, RCN, Service Electric, D&E Communications and nearly 240 other cable operators.For more information on FiOS TV, visit http://fios.verizon.com/ or call 888-438-3467.