Northwestern University Athletics
WideOpenWest Launches Big Ten Network
9/28/2007 12:00:00 AM | General
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 telephony 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, Big Ten Championships and other NCAA championship sports, with most carried in stunning high-definition.
About Wow (wowway.com)
WOW! is a competitive provider of cable television, high-speed Internet, and telephone services. WOW! Cable features Basic Cable, Digital Cable, and advanced services such as VOD, HDTV and DVRs. WOW! Internet provides customers with a choice of high-speed connections from 768kbps all the way to 6Mbps. WOW! Phone offers the convenience of unlimited local, long distance, and local toll calling in the United States. Customers can bundle any two or all three services together at a great value, while benefiting from the convenience of dealing with just one company for all their entertainment and telecommunications needs.
About the Big Ten Network
Big Ten Network is dedicated to covering the Big Ten Conference and its 11 member institutions. Big Ten Network provides unprecedented access to an extensive schedule of conference sports events and shows and original programs in academics, the arts and sciences, campus activities and associated personalities. Sports programming includes live coverage of more major men's and women's events than ever before, along with news, highlights and analysis. The network is available to all cable and satellite carriers and television distributors nationwide, with most programs offered in stunning high-definition television (HDTV). Big Ten Network, launched August 30, 2007, is a partnership between the Big Ten Conference and Fox Cable Networks.
