Verizon Communications will carry the NFL Network television channel on its FiOS TV service when it launches in America later this year. The deal includes high-definition and on demand year-round programming featuring National Football League games.
It is the latest in a series of programming agreements that Verizon has announced, suggesting the seriousness of its intent in delivering a fibre-optic backed broadband television service.
Verizon has previously announced agreements with NBC Universal Cable, Starz Entertainment Group, Showtime Networks, A&E Television Networks and Discovery Networks, among others.
“We are pleased to add NFL Network to our extensive lineup of sports programming,” said Terry Denson, vice president of programming and marketing for FiOS TV. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Launched 18 months ago, NFL Network provides news, information and analysis on the National Football League and is ranked as the number one sports programming available on demand in the United States.
“As a recent newcomer ourselves, we are emboldened by Verizon’s interest in video content,” said Brian Decker of NFL Network. “We look forward to joining with them to provide advanced services into America’s homes.”
Verizon FiOS TV aims to offer customers a competitive alternative to cable or satellite television, with hundreds of channels, high-definition programming, video-on-demand, and an interactive programming guide, delivered via a fibre-to-the-premises broadband network. The company is currently constructing FTTP networks in half the states where it offers landline communications service.