Atlantic Broadband Catches Big Ten Network Deal

Atlantic Broadband and the Big Ten Network have reached an agreement that will make the service available to the distributor's subscribers in central and northern Pennsylvania, beginning next month.
The deal, terms of which were not disclosed, kicks off Sept. 1, giving Atlantic Broadband customers the opportunity to check out Penn State football games, including the Nittany Lions' Sept. 5 contest versus Akron, their Sept. 12 tilt versus Syracuse and their Sept. 19 matchup against Temple, as well as other games slated throughout the season.
Big Ten Network will be available to Atlantic Broadband customers in the Altoona-Johnstown areas of central Pennsylvania and the Bradford-Warren areas of northern Pennsylvania.
The carriers'  Value and Digital service level customers will receive the network on Channel 66, while those with HD service can see it in high-definition on Channel 766. In addition, Atlantic Broadband Digital customers will be able to watch highlights of Penn State sports and campus programming on their own schedule, 24/7, through the service's video on demand application.
"We are very pleased to bring Penn State fans the additional football coverage they have clamoring for," said Dave Dane, Atlantic Broadband senior vice president and regional general manager, in announcing the deal. "Our goal in these negotiations with the Big Ten Network, as always, was to do our best to satisfy customers' specific programming requests, while also working to ensure that the cost of our video service packages remain as reasonable as possible. Atlantic Broadband is delighted to have brought this to a successful conclusion in time for the highly anticipated fall football season."
Noted BTN president Mark Silverman: "Penn State fans are among the most passionate in the Big Ten. With the football team playing in the Rose Bowl last season and current Top 10 ranking, along with the men's basketball team's run to the 2009 NIT title, interest will be greater than ever. We couldn't be happier to have Atlantic Broadband join our growing list of affiliates."