The Fox Sports division of the Fox network and NBC Sports division of media company NBCUniversal have joined sports broadcaster ESPN in disputing US telecommunications company Verizon’s new ‘Custom TV’ service.
Under Verizon’s new payment planning structure for its FiOS TV pay-television service, which launched on Sunday, Verizon launched a FiOS plan that starts at $55 (€51) a month for a basic tier of 35 channels plus two themed channel packs.
ESPN hit out after its ESPN and ESPN2 channels were included in a separate sports pack, with customers afforded the option of adding additional packs for $10 each. Fox and NBC have now followed suit, arguing that Verizon’s new offerings violate current licensing agreements. The Washington Post newspaper added that some of the networks claim they were not consulted prior to Verizon’s announcement.
“We reject Verizon’s view that it can pursue the new packaging scheme it announced yet still comply with our agreements,” Fox said in a statement about the inclusion of Fox Sports 1 in the sports package.
NBC also said in a statement that “Verizon’s announced ‘Custom TV’ package does not comply with our existing agreement.”
Both broadcasters said they are dealing directly with Verizon to address their concerns. However, Verizon spokeswoman Deidre Hart told the Post: “As far as we are concerned, there is no dispute.
“FiOS Custom TV is a product consumers want, and it’s all about consumer choice. We believe we are allowed to offer consumers and small businesses this choice and flexibility under our existing contracts.”