With about one week till the launch of the Big Ten Network, IU sent out a second e-mail to fans encouraging them to contact their local cable providers (cough, Comcast), to encourage them to add the network to a basic cable package.
Here is the e-mail sent from IUticket@indiana.edu:
"With one week remaining before the launch of the Big Ten Network on August 30, we want to update you on the progress of the network's negotiations with Comcast and the other large cable providers.
As of today, the Big Ten Network has national agreements with DIRECTV and AT&T U-Verse, and has also completed deals with nearly 100 cable companies across the Midwest.However, some large cable providers have not yet agreed to make the Big Ten Network available on their basic cable service.
Over the past few weeks, conversations between the BTN and some of the nation's largest cable providers have been productive.Unfortunately, the negotiations to date between the network and Comcast are a notable exception to that trend.
IU's season opener against Indiana State will be televised on the Big Ten Network at 8:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday, September 1.While we know that a large number of our loyal fans will be at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington next Saturday night to cheer the Hoosiers on in person, we also feel compelled to alert IU fans that may not be at the game and are Comcast customers that the BTN will not be available on its systems.
If you are interested in locating another cable or satellite provider in your area that has agreed to carry the Big Ten Network, visit BigTenNetwork.com and this information is readily available for you to view.By calling 1-866-WANT-B10, you can let your local cable provider know that you want the Big Ten Network to be part of your basic cable package."
Obviously, the University has a lot to gain from the success of the network. But if Comcast, Insight and other regional cable companies don't carry the network, there will be a lot of upset fans. Comcast will add the Big Ten Network, but only on a sports tier that also includes the NFL Network. The company does not want to burden all customers with increased costs for what they believe is a niche network. BTN obviously disagrees, and the only way they will allow Comcast to air their network is if it is on basic cable -- at a $1.10 per customer, per month rate. Needless to say, neither side is budging.
If it comes to November and even later in the Big Ten season, and you can't watch IU from your home television...who do you blame?
