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WideOpenWest Launches Big Ten Network
Sept. 28, 2007
DENVER and CHICAGO - WideOpenWest, the nation's largest alternative cable video services provider and 11th-largest system operator overall, and the Big Ten Network today announced that WOW will provide Big Ten Network to its expanded basic television customers throughout Michigan, Ohio, Illinois and Indiana, in time for this weekend's football games on the network. With the addition of WOW, Big Ten Network has entered into distribution agreements with all of the major alternatives to the largest cable companies enfranchised in these same eight states to service their communities. The agreement boosts Big Ten Network's availability beyond 30 million homes in its first 30 days, making Big Ten Network the only new network in cable or satellite television history to earn that distinction. In fact, no other new cable or satellite network has surpassed 30 million homes in its first year, and only five others have achieved that milestone within their first two years. "We're excited to be able to offer Big Ten Network to our customers," said Colleen Abdoulah, president and chief executive officer for WOW. "We recognize how important these games are to Big Ten fans and are pleased we were able to reach an arrangement with Big Ten Network that makes sense for all of our customers." Big Ten Network President Mark Silverman added: "WideOpenWest has created a significant business by offering consumers an exciting alternative to traditional cable and other television providers. We are tremendously pleased that WOW, along with over 140 television distributors, recognizes that fans throughout the Midwest want to have access to the wide variety of games, events and programs available on the Big Ten Network. While we still have a way to go, we're honored to have reached 30 million homes faster than any other new network in history." The Big Ten Network will be carried on WOW's expanded basic cable package to its customers within the eight states where there are Big Ten institutions. With the addition of WOW, the network now has agreements with four of the eight largest cable, satellite and alternative video providers within the Big Ten Conference's eight-state region, including DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight Communications, Buckeye Cable and AT&T.
With over 400,000 subscribers, WOW provides bundled television, high-speed Internet and telephone services to major Midwest markets in the Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, OH; and Evansville, IN areas. Big Ten Network offers fans 400 live events this year, including 39 football games, 140 regular season men's basketball games, including 64 of the 99 intra-conference games, women's basketball, Big Ten Championships and other NCAA championship sports, with most carried in stunning high-definition. The Big Ten Network will air approximately 70 live Penn State events during its inaugural year, including Saturday's football game at Illinois (12 p.m. ET). The vast majority of Penn State's 29 varsity sports will be featured on the Big Ten Network in 2007-08, in addition to at least 60 hours of institutional, non-athletic programming. To get the Big Ten Network, fans should call 1-866-WANT-B10 and record a message or be patched through to their cable operator and request that the network be a part of their expanded basic package. For more information regarding the Big Ten Network, visit www.BigTenNetwork.com. About Wow (wowway.com) About the Big Ten Network |
