DishNetwork has agreed to terms with the Big Ten Network. As is mandated by the network, the channel will be available on the basic package, but in a break from the norm next year the channel will be only available with the plus package that includes other regional sports channels. Another difference with this deal is that it in year two it will only be available in states that have Big Ten schools. It has not been announced how they plan to accommodate Big Ten fans outside of the midwest next year. I am assuming it will be available as an add-on for those customers. This contract is quite different because previously the network did not budge on the channel being a part of a sports package. The network also was not letting providers only cover the midwest, the terms were supposed to be $1.10/customer in the midwest and $0.10 for anyone else. It would average out to $0.30 per customer around the country.
I imagine Time Warner and Comcast will try to bargain with similar terms. Their complaints have been price, channel placement on basic packages and offering the channel outside of the midwest.
No comments:
Post a Comment