Midcontinent Latest Cable System To Pick Up Big Ten Network
Operator Will Bring Conference Sports Broadcasts to 200,000 Subscribers
By Larry Barrett -- Multichannel News, 8/4/2008 6:20:00 AM
Midcontinent Communications Monday announced it will add the Big Ten Network to its channel lineup beginning Aug. 15. The operator serves more than 200,000 subscribers in Minnesota, North and South Dakota.
“We’re thrilled that Midcontinent is joining the long and growing list of affiliates offering the Big Ten Network to their customers,” Mark Silverman, president of the Big Ten Network, said in a statement. “When fans tune in, they’ll find unparalleled coverage of Big Ten Sports—they’ll see more action and more in-depth analysis than ever before.”
The announcement was made by Tom Simmons, Midcontinent Senior Vice President of Public Policy, and Big Ten Network President Mark Silverman.
Midcontinent will offer the network on the expanded basic level of service to its customers in Minnesota, one of the eight Big Ten states, and on a digital level of service elsewhere.
The Big Ten Network has carriage agreements with more than 230 cable systems, and all of the top alternative video, satellite and telephony-based video suppliers providing local service within the eight states with Big Ten universities. By Aug. 15, the network will be available to approximately 70 percent of all homes in the eight Big Ten states and could reach up to 55 million homes nationwide, network officials said.
