Verizon's Rapidly Expanding FiOS TV to Carry Big Ten Network

Verizon's Rapidly Expanding FiOS TV to Carry Big Ten Network

Channel Already Launched in Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Coming to Other FiOS TV Regions During the Next Few Months

NEW YORK and CHICAGO, July 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon, which has become the nation's ninth-largest video distributor in less than three years, and Big Ten Network announced Wednesday (July 9) 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.

Terry Denson, vice president -- FiOS TV content and programming, said 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.

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.

For more information on FiOS TV, visit www.verizon.com/fiostv or call 888-438-3467.

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) , headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 67 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employed a diverse workforce of approximately 232,000 as of the end of the first quarter 2008 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of $93.5 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

About the Big Ten Network

The Big Ten Network is dedicated to covering the Big Ten Conference and its 11 member institutions. The Big Ten Network provides unprecedented access to an extensive schedule of conference sports events and shows; original programs in academics, the arts and sciences; campus activities; and associated personalities. Sports programming includes live coverage of more major men's and women's events than ever before, along with news, highlights and analysis, all complemented by hours of university-produced campus programming. The network is available to all cable and satellite carriers and television distributors nationwide, with most programs offered in stunning high-definition television (HDTV). The Big Ten Network is a joint venture between subsidiaries of the Big Ten Conference and Fox Cable Networks.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Verizon

CONTACT: Heather Wilner, Verizon, +1-212-321-8333, or Elizabeth Conlisk,
Big Ten Network, +1-312-665-0726

Web site: http://www.verizon.com/
http://www.verizon.com/fiostv

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/094251.html

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Profile: International Entertainment