Verizon FiOS To Add 10 Spanish Language Networks

Verizon FiOS TV will add 10 new high-definition, Spanish-language channels, including nine from independent distributor Olympusat Inc., the company announced Monday.

The Olymusat-owned UltraHDPlex lineup of channels include movie network Ultra Cine; music network Ultra Fiesta; kids-targeted channel Ultra Kidz; Mexican film-based Ultra Mex; female-themed Ultra Luna; male-based Ultra Macho; Spanish-dubbed cotemporary films channel Ultra Film; documentary-based Ultra Docu; and Mexican and Latin America classic film service Ultra Clásico, said company officials.

The 10th channel, Multimedios Television, offers Spanish-language family and entertainment programming broadcast from Monterrey, Mexico.

The announcement comes on the heels of a Verizon multi-year carriage agreement with Univision Communications, Inc., which includes the launch of three new networks - Univision Deportes, Univision tlnovelas and FOROtv - as well as rights for multiplatform and on demand viewing.

Overall, Verizon offers up to 75 Spanish-language channels on FiOS TV, dependent on the local channels available in each market.

"Our customers have told us that high-quality Spanish-language programming helps to keep their culture alive, and we're helping to make that happen by giving them the content that they want and need," said Michelle Webb, director of content strategy and acquisition for Verizon in a statement. "With the addition of 10 new Spanish-language HD channels, Verizon is offering our FiOS TV customers the best - and the most - Spanish-language channels as well as the largest Spanish-language HD offering in the nation. And with more Spanish-language programming to come, we'll continue giving consumers the most robust Spanish-language offering in the market."

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.