Big Ten Network

[heisman27]

AT&T's U-Verse isn't available in too many places.

DirecTV is owned 39% by FOX. FOX partially owns the Big 10 Network.

As for the "over 70" cable companies, name (10) of them. No looking them up either...

It's actually an impressive strategy by BTN. Obviously D* is available nationally. AT&T will be available in all of the Big Ten's major markets by the end of next year, and now with over 80 cable companies signed on covering the rural markets, they have everything they need to succeed. Since all of this is in place before launch, I'm not sure why you think they haven't "worked out deals" before launching.

 

[Madtown HD Junkie]

I know I'm going to get bashed in the skull for repeating myself, but if BTN doesn't get an agreement with Comcast, NOBODY WILL BE SEEING BTN FOR VERY LONG, not DTV, not small cable cos, NOBODY. They can justify themselves if they are just taking money from one part of News corp and giving it to another. That won't pay the costs to broadcast these games. Not even Mark Silverman is telling people to switch to DTV, because that won't help his cause AT ALL. BTN is toast. It doesn't matter whether 95% of people in the Midwest are B10 diehards, WHICH THEY AREN'T. Without a contract from Comcast, BTN is TOAST. You can switch to DTV all you want.

why are they toast if they don't have Comcast on board? Comcast serves none of WI.

 

[heisman27]

why are they toast if they don't have Comcast on board? Comcast serves none of WI.

They aren't available in Columbus either, which makes his comment all the more ludicrous.

 

[jeffwtux]

Isnt that what any good businessman does when starting a business? build interest in your product. create a buzz, create demand. No matter what you have in a startup type business you campaign, canvas, advertise non stop.

No, campaigning is what politicians do. If you believe in capitalism and supply and demand, you shouldn't have to campaign to sell your product. You should have a good product at a good price. There is a clear line between advertising and campaigning and BTN has crossed it.

 

[jeffwtux]

They aren't available in Columbus either, which makes his comment all the more ludicrous.

ABSOLUTE FACT: Comcast serves 25% of the cable/dbs customers in the big ten's region.

They may not be in Wisconsin or Columbus, OH, but that doesn't matter. It's a domino effect. If Comcast says no, there's no way Dish will either. That's got to be 40% total that won't pay for it. Sorry, BTN is toast without Comcast. You can ridicule me all you want.

 

[BIGHOUSE8550]

Update

Just to let everyone know I spoke with a Dish Network account specialist this morning. She informed me that first thing this morning they were notified that the BTN rejected their latest offer. It doesn't look good, but at least they are trying. I am with a number of you. If they don't close the deal in a week or so I am going to switch to DTV. And for all of those who don't appreciate Big Ten sports don't spend your time posting on this page, cause nobody cares what you have to say!

 

[BIGHOUSE8550]

Thought I already posted this, but can't find it so I'm sending it again. I spoke with an account specialist at Dish Network this morning, who stated that they just received confirmation that the BTN had rejected their latest offer. It doesn't look good, and I am with a number of you on changing services. If they don't sign in a week or so I am going to DTV, where you have the freedom to watch the best conference in the nation battle it out each and every week!

 

[Madtown HD Junkie]

wasn't ridiculing anyone...just wanted to understand your POV. I would guess Chicago constitutes a large % of the 25 %. They have a 20 year contract so BTN is going nowhere. They will eventually on most everywhere and hopefully on E* soon

 

[jeffwtux]

wasn't ridiculing anyone...just wanted to understand your POV. I would guess Chicago constitutes a large % of the 25 %. They have a 20 year contract so BTN is going nowhere. They will eventually on most everywhere and hopefully on E* soon

What are you smoking? Comcast has NO contract with the BTN, not in Chicago, not anywhere


Big Ten Network, Comcast standoff continues

The only major company with a contract with BTN is DTV and that's not going to give News Corp(which owns 49% of BTN) any additional money, just robbing Peter to pay Paul. BTN will go down without a contract with Comcast which they don't have. That is the fact.

 

[FlyingJ]

Jeff, I am speechless. Way to go out on a limb...but dude, if you don't think the BTN will be here 3 years down the road, you need to start smoking something.

 

[tsduke]

Thought I already posted this, but can't find it so I'm sending it again. I spoke with an account specialist at Dish Network this morning, who stated that they just received confirmation that the BTN had rejected their latest offer. It doesn't look good, and I am with a number of you on changing services. If they don't sign in a week or so I am going to DTV, where you have the freedom to watch the best conference in the nation battle it out each and every week!

I wouldn't but much stock in info your heard from a CSR. They are usually the last to hear things.

 

[tsduke]

The only major company with a contract with BTN is DTV and that's not going to give News Corp(which owns 49% of BTN) any additional money, just robbing Peter to pay Paul.

Not sure I agree. If the BTN brings more customers to Peter they would have additional revenue in which to pay Paul.

 

[jeffwtux]

Not sure I agree. If the BTN brings more customers to Peter they would have additional revenue in which to pay Paul.

If that were true, then the BTN would be telling Comcast customers to switch to DTV to get BTN. They aren't because that will only HURT the BTN not help it. BTN needs a contract from Comcast period. If it doesn't get it, it fails period. All the ra-ra 107,500 screaming Michigan fans won't change that.

 

[Hall]

Maybe we are using different meanings of "exist" but BTN isn't live yet. It debuts August 30th.

The way I see launching of a TV network is this: Approach cable companies and satellite companies to determine interest. Even sign tentative agreements that a) become null and void if the network changes plans and ends their plans or b) have the agreements roll into real ones when the go-ahead of the network starts.

It sounds like B10N did a LOT of work with NO firm carriage agreements in place. If Dish, TWC, Comcast, etc, etc said "sure, we'll sign up when you launch" and are now balking, that's unethical.

 

[Hall]

...and now with over 80 cable companies signed on covering the rural markets, they have everything they need to succeed.

Still waiting on you to name (10) cable companies....

 

[Hall]

Just to let everyone know I spoke with a Dish Network account specialist this morning. She informed me that first thing this morning they were notified that the BTN rejected their latest offer.

Negotiations like this are 1) waaayyyy above the level of phone support people and 2) probably kept confidential. Remember, it's the phone rep's job to "solve" the issue you had when you called and get you off the line to take another call.

 

[heisman27]

Still waiting on you to name (10) cable companies....

Without kidding around, I can't name 5 cable companies period, let alone 10 that carry BTN.

 

[BIGHOUSE8550]

Negotiations like this are 1) waaayyyy above the level of phone support people and 2) probably kept confidential. Remember, it's the phone rep's job to "solve" the issue you had when you called and get you off the line to take another call.

Just a question. How did the phone rep "solve" the issue by telling me what I didn't want to hear? Of course it is confidential, but they told me info that hasn't been posted by anyone else on this site yet. It sounds like everyone is waaayyyy behind what is actually going on.

 

[Tom Bombadil]

I'm sure the BTN is set to go at least 2 seasons without Comcast or other large cable companies.

Their trump card are the angry fans, who will become more and more unhappy as games are missed. It's the same game that the NFL Network is playing. Many of the same cable providers who haven't picked up the BTN are also not carrying the NFL Net.

The BTN, in the form of all of the B10 schools athletic directors, is looking at the long term picture. If it takes a few years to sign everyone up, then that is what it takes. If they wanted to sign everyone up quickly at a very low rate structure, then they would have gone in that direction.

They have no reason whatsoever to back down at this point. They want to wait until Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Penn State, and other schools' fans miss some games.

 

[Tom Bombadil]

Other negotiations with the BTN are in the news:

DesMoinesRegister.com

Altoona Mirror - Making It Happen For You

IU, Purdue fans may miss 18 TV games | IndyStar.com