THANK YOU1 RFD tv HAS been mu favorite channel for years!

I live in Springfield, and have had FIOS since November. I love the service, but I was told that MSNBC would be available in my area shortly. I live in a Comcast part of NJ, and I really miss MSNBC. Please give me an update. Thanks...Steve

Really would appreciate FSN to be available in some way, even as a pay channel.ASAP!

Eric,

I recently switched to FiOS from Cablevision and love it. But there are a few HD channels I had on Optimum that are not present on FiOS, like Spike HD, MSG HD, Nickelodeon HD, MTV HD, and Comedy Central HD.

Any outlook on whether we will get these channels in the future?

Jim,

Suffice it to say, we want to offer MSNBC to our customers in Cablevision territory, but I can’t speculate about timelines or possible agreements.

Eric

Eric,

Would you PLEASE elaborate some more on a timeline for this is NYC. It is ridiculous that Cablevision can have an INDEFINITE stranglehold on this channel. Surely you MUST have some sort of idea in what year this will be broken. What about MSNBC HD? Would that not be a separate carriage agreement that you could pick up?

I know many people in my neighborhood who refuse to try FiOS due to the LACK of this channel.

Eric said:
We provide MSNBC in most FiOS TV markets, but we don’t have distribution rights to the channel in Cablevision territory. Clearly, we hope to be able to provide MSNBC in all our markets in the future.

Thanks, Eric. Sooner would obviously be better than later; I'm trying really hard to NOT have to spend additional money and aggravation on a cablecard + Tivo solution, especially since I've been pleasantly surprised with the quality of the Verizon DVR software so far, but it may become inevitable if this doesn't get resolved ASAP. The people switching to FIOS obviously are people who watch TV -- we wouldn't care about how awesome the HD picture was if we were all watching on #0 year old Zeniths -- but we're also obviously people who want to record their shows!

Ken,

We're aware of the DVR's capacity limitation, and we plan to increase its capacity in the future.
Eric

Kim,

I don’t have any specific news about C&I HD and Comedy Channel HD, but NBA TV will launch for the 2009-2010 season.

Eric

Eric, thanks for your help with the MSNBC issue: I got FIOS for Christmas, shortly after MSNBC got turned on in West Orange, and I LOVE it, but I (of course) have one massive issue, and I haven't seen it addressed anywhere:

We are DYING out here with the tiny little hard drive in the multi-room DVR. I'm paying $20 a month to rent this box, and I can't even record a week's worth of programming on it. My wife and I didn't have a chance to watch Big Love for two weeks in a row and now both episodes are gone.

PLEASE make this a priority. You already have a port on the box that we could connect an external drive to, just get the thing turned on. We're begging you here. I can't believe we have HOROSCOPES on the box, but we don't have a drive large enough to record a dozen HD programs.

Help!!!

Eric,

I'm located in the Washington DC market. Up until a couple of weeks ago, the on-screen guide designated channels for NBA TV (both SD & HD) as "comming soon". Other HD channels such as C&I & Comedy Channel were also desiganted as "comming soon". Now they have disappeared. What's the status with the availability of these channels? - Especially NBA TV?

Kathleen,
We provide MSNBC in most FiOS TV markets, but we don’t have distribution rights to the channel in Cablevision territory. Clearly, we hope to be able to provide MSNBC in all our markets in the future.

Eric

When will MSNBC be available on Verizon Fios...........I'm going crazy without it!!!

You will NEVER get me as a Verizon FIOS customer unless MSNBC is added to your lineup in Westchester, NY.

verizon fios wastes at least 2 direct mail pieces on me every week. Until you have MSNBC available in Westchester County, I will stick it out with Cablevision.

I LOST FOX NEWS EARLY THIS MORNING. I'M TOLD THAT IT SHOULD BE BACK W/I 24 HRS PLUS SOME MORE HD CHANNELS. IS THIS TRUE? I ALREADY HAVE 100 HD CHANNELS. ALSO WHERES MSNBC?

Congratulations...you've gotten the mlb situation resolved and now if I switch to you, I can get Extra Innings.

However, you still don't (can't) carry MSNBC in Cablevision turf and in many adjacent areas that while not cablevision turf you don't have the ability or willingness to split off (unfortunately I live in a cablevision area).

Until you get this resolved, you are simply not a viable alternative as I don't want to be stuck with FNC and listen to the fascists who are there.

Now all they've got to do is...

1. assure they will have Extra Innings available in the Spring...

2. Do something about providing MSNBC to everybody in the NYC area...

Until they do this, they're useless.

Verizon now offers the NHL Center Ice Package! We signed up for it Thursday and it is to be available today!

Eric,

Is verizon examining the possibilty of adding CBS College Sports?

This question has been asked a few times since August without a response. There are many college sports fans who are interested in having both 24 hour college sports channels (ESPNU & CBSCS). While both networks are college sports only networks they cover totally different Conferences. As far as I know Verizon is the only major carrier not offering CBSCS.

We college sports fans demand CBS College Sports!


Best Regards,
Jim

Eric,

Is verizon examining the possibilty of adding CBS College Sports?

This question has been asked a few times since August without a response. There are many college sports fans who are interested in having both 24 hour college sports channels (ESPNU & CBSCS). While both networks are college sports only networks they cover totally different Conferences. As far as I know Verizon is the only major carrier not offering CBSCS.

We college sports fans demand CBS College Sports!


Best Regards,
Jim

The FIOS salesperson came by today (am in cablevision territory)...went through the whole thing with me....I said I have a few questions.

1. Since I'm in cablevision terriotory, I can't get MSNBC. Right...Well, he said, what's the big deal about MSNBC...they carry many of the same programs as NBC and CNBC...

2. Well you don't have the NHL Network....we should have it in the near future.

3. You don't have Center Ice....only directv has it...but I have it with cablevision....well if it's on cablevision then we'll have it soon.

Therein lies the problem...the salespeople don't know what they're talking about.

Until Fios can offer MSNBC to balance the fascist Fox News Channel, can provide NHL Network and NHL Center Ice, then it is an inferior product, even against the Dolan's rip off cablevision.

Can't you guys get your act together and provide a real alternaative to Cablevision and for pete's sake tell people the truth.

Any news on NBA TV? NBA League Pass would be even better, but I'd be happy with just NBA TV.

Eric,

Just had FIOS installed, I live in South Brunswick, NJ. I do not see MSNBC in the channel lineup. We are in a Comcast area and earlier in this blog you mentioned we should be receiving MSNBC now.

Is MSNBC available in South Brunswick? Thanks.

Steve

Called verizon today to get my 150 buck penalty overturned since the customer service people lied about getting the sports packages when they signed me up. of course they turned me down. Wahooo so glad I switched from Comcast!!!!! Verizon would do well to give their customers some real information about the sport packages rather than the dancing they all do when asked the question.

Duane

Hello Everyone,

Here's a good article (see URL) about FIOS and hockey. It basically details what Eric can't say publicly. Looks good for NHL Network but not Center Ice. Honestly, NHL Network is enough to make me happy. Thank you FIOS for working to get it to us.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Verizon-FiOS-may-offer-NHL-Network-what-about-C?urn=nhl,109295

Eric,

It is obvious that Fios and RFD-TV have signed an agreement some time ago. It is listed on the channel lineup for SE PA. Why can we not get a date on when it will be on? I signed on to Fios only because of this channel.

Glenn

The NHL Network is standard on every other cable/broadband/satellite TV system...but not FIOS? Do your research Verizon!

Eric -

Thanks for hanging in there and dealing with the slings 'n arrows. (OTOH, hey, this is what market research is all about - the unfiltered feelings of consumers.)

MLB Extra Innings: Total radio silence for months. I recognize that you can't discuss negotiations (hey, that's how I make my living). But are negotiations still <i>occuring?</l> I've got cash money that I'd just lurrrrrrv to hand over to Verizon (along with some hate mail, and several pounds of dog droppings, to my Local Cable Provider Who Will Not Be Named). But it all hinges on Extra Innings.

Any updates or boilerplate statements you can offer?

(And to my fellow lurkers: It ain't discrimination if they don't offer what you want. It's business. If someone like, say, the Fourth Major Sport is asking for unreasonable amounts of money in carriage fees, it's Verizon's right to not do the deal - just as it's yours to stick with your local cable provider or pizza-box dish company. Deals make sense when they're workable for the league, the video provider - and us poor schleps who pay for it all.)

cheers,

-tgd

Now that FiOS is carrying CNN-HD, will you PLEASE get them to improve the channel's sound quality. It is extremely LOW-Fi, a cross between AM radio and website audio, even though the audio on Standard-Definition CNN sounds fine. The problem is apparently on CNN's end in Atlanta, because CNN-HD sounds equally awful on my brother's DirecTV system and my friend's Cablevision system. Any channel calling itself HiDef must offer audio quality equal to the video quality.

Where is the NHL Network?
Verizon FIOS is discriminating against us hockey fans---that's not right

Why doesn't "FIOS" carry the NHL Nwrwork?

There's just too much missing and not enough information being provided and I don't mean to criticize Eric who is trying to do the best job possible.

1. I am in a cablevision area so obviously FIOS is a no go until the problem with MSNBC is solved. Now everybody leaks information if it is advantageous to them. The fact that Verizon refuses to let us know how long the exclusivity with MSNBC lasts for cablevision can mean only one thing; those of us who live in Cablevision areas will not see MSNBC for a long time.

2. Last year, it was don't worry we'll have Extra Innings by the start of the baseball season...well the baseball season is over and still no extra innings and of course no Center Ice and no League Pass....one has to suppose that once again there is some sort of contractual difficulty say with On Demand that is preventing Fios from getting these sports packages in the near future.

3. There is obviously no excuse for no NHL Network.

Eric, the only conclusion possible is these will not be on FIOS for a long time if ever. It's far better to level with people than to tell half truths such as, "We're working on it."

Most regretfullhy as I really look forward to the day I can tell Cablevision, "Take this box and shove it, I ain't using you anymore." But until you can get basic channels such as MSNBC and optional services such as Extra Innings and Center Ice, you are a third rate package.

Wow, I see a lot of other NHL fans are as angry as I am about FIOS not carrying the NHL Network.

Any comment by the powers that be at Verizon?

Verizon FiOS is clearly dropping the puck (no pun intended) by not offering the NHL Network.

What do us FiOS customers and NHL fans have to do to get you to do what you should have done by now and that is carry the NHL Network? You advertise your products during NHL games, the Washington Capitals play in an arena named Verizon Center, the NHL fan base is huge and millions strong...and all we get is talk about how you're trying carry the NHL Network on your FiOS. Get the deal done with NHL Network and get the damn channel on FiOS for crying out loud!!!

FIOS is the only major tv system not carrying the NHL Network as of yet.
What kind of a sick joke is that???

Eric,

Any answers for me on MSNBC in Caldwell, NJ? I can't seem to get one anywhere else.

I switched to Verizon FiOS for several reasons, but the biggest reason was that it gives me more for my money over Comcast. That said, can you speed up your negociations with the NHL Network and get that channel on FiOS pleeeeeease! The season is anout to start!!! The NHL Network was standard on my Comcast.

Bob,

We’ve recently added 39 new channels in your market and, as a result, some of the current channels now have new numbers. MSNBC is now on channel 103.

Eric

I have had Verison FIOS in Montgomery County MD for over a year. Suddenly I do not have MSNBC anymore. In an election year, this is a deal-breaker for me. Why is it gone? When will it return?

I NEED MSNBC

Please get the NHL Network & Hockey Central

Couldn't agree more Bill, I'm in the same situation here in Pittsburgh....no PSU game. Thanks alot verizon, for taking one of lifes simple joys, psu football, away from, your PA costomers. I'm starting to think that the head of verizon fios tv must be an ohio state alum. I also thought I'd never say it, but I miss Comcast.

As a Penn State alum, I was very excited to hear that FIOS was going to add the Big Ten Network. But I was disappointed when I learned it wouldn't arrive in SE PA until after the season started.

Now that we have the new channels, I'm further disappointed to learn that we won't even get to watch the Penn State-Temple game here in Philly, home to Temple and thousands of Penn State alumni, because FIOS is not regionalizing the BTN games nor providing any of the overflow channels. Noone here cares about the Ohio State game this weekend!

I never thought I'd say it, but Comcast actually did something right this time, they will have the Penn State-Temple game on BTN, and the other games on their overflow channels. Verizon dropped the ball on this one.

"Fox News Channel HD" is a joke, right? It'd be like saying "2 + 2 = 5.0000". Why use high precision if the accuracy is so low? Besides, Billo the Clown is too blotchy for HD.

Eric --

Why is Caldwell Boro not on the MSNBC list? It's also a Comcast area, not Cablevision. Will Caldwell be getting MSNBC soon? I just switched from Comcast, and was unaware of this problem until it was too late. The channel listing on the Verizon site lists MSNBC for Caldwell, but I'm not getting it.

I will have to switch back to Comcast if this is not happening soon -- like this week!

Verizon:

I can never find an email address to use for providing suggestions or requests for new HD channels; however, here is my request:

Speed Channel HD
Fox News Channel HD

I for one will wait until the start of the season for the NHL Network and possibly "CenterIce"--
If by then Verizon will still be "negotiating" I'll be gone and I have a feeling I wont be the only one.
The NHL is the fastest growing league in the country and as it gets more fans Fios has a lot to lose and nothing to gain by stubbornly staying on the sidelines when it comes to Hockey

Eric,

Thank you. Honestly, the fact that you are working on it is all I wanted to hear.

Amy

Amy,

It is not that I’m refusing to answer questions about the NHL network, it’s just that there’s nothing new to say. We continue to work to acquire this and other programming, but we don’t announce the details of business negotiations or agreements until they are final and until it’s appropriate. I’m sure you can understand why a business simply cannot negotiate for programming on the blogs. That said, however, we continue to work for new programming all the time, and we are well aware that there are hockey fans out there like you who would enjoy the NHL Network. Let’s leave it at that until I can say more, OK?

Eric

Jeff,

Thanks for letting us know about a mistake in our new Florida Gulf Coast channel listing. HDNet Movies isn’t moving to the premium movie package, so you’ll still be able to watch it.

Eric

Sonia,

You’ll find information about MSNBC in this thread and elsewhere on PolicyBlog. If you don’t see the answer to your specific question, let me know.

Eric

Opinebaron,

We’ve talked a lot here at PolicyBlog about why we can’t carry MSNBC in Cablevision territory. The exclusive agreement that prevents us from carrying it is between Cablevision and NBC Universal, so we really can’t comment on when it might expire.

Eric

Eric,

I do not understand your refusal to answer questions concerning the NHL Network whether polite (as I have been) or impolite. I also do not understand why FIOS does not yet carry the NHL Network. Every cable and satellite network I know of carries this channel so exclusivity is not the problem. The NHL is begging networks to show their product so I'm very confident this is not about cost either. Lastly, you mention above that many subscribers want diversity so you carry a plethora of diverse channels. However, one single hockey channel would go a long way towards placating the hockey crowd and we get nothing. Please cowboy up and address this issue.

Amy

Please get MSNBC to Ridgewood, NJ and surrounding areas. I would love it to be available for EVERYONE. It seems verizon would want to, it boasts the highest number of HD channels and MSNBC would add another. I appreciate it.

Eric,

It seems to me that you are avoiding to answer any questions related to the NHL--not even a "we are trying to get the NHL Network" kinda answer...your silence about the matter speaks for itself....
No Hockey on FIOS hence Direct TV, here we (Hockey fans) come I guess

Alex

Eric,

Disappointed to see the new channel listing for the FL Gulf Coast has moved HDNet Movies to the premium movie package. When I looked at the lineups in some of the other areas it looked like this was included in the regular package.

What about msnbc?

I'm another disappointed FiOS customer without MSNBC. I live in a Cablevision area. We hear rumors that the exclusive agreement will expire "soon", but no details. How about an announcement on the expiration? Why the secrecy?

For those who want to raise a stink, there's an online petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/MFios/petition.html

Also, you should complain to your state's public utility regulator. Here in NJ, that's the Board of Public Utilities. Call them at 800-624-0331, or use the online form:
http://www.bpu.state.nj.us/bpu/assistance/complaints/inquiry.html

Jeff,
We now offer MSNBC to virtually every FiOS TV customer outside of Cablevision territory, including parts of New York City. While we don’t offer the sports packages that you mention, we hope to in the future. Judging by the comments we get here at PolicyBlog, this programming is important to many customers, but we also know that other customers are just as focused on international channels or HD. That’s why we feature more than 400 channels of diverse programming that appeals to many different types of viewers.
Eric

Why should I switch to your service...you don't tell people you can't offer MSNBC which by itself is a deal killer in the NYC area.....also you don't offer any of the sports packages such as Extra Innings, League Pass and Center Ice.

It is inexcusable not to offer these things and try to get people to sign up for your service.

You have to be more truthful with people.

Just wanted to add my voice to the chorus asking for NHL Network. It really does seem ludicrous that given Verizon Wireless' sponsorship of the NHL, FiOS can't manage to get NHL Network for its package.

Eric, how about an update on both NHL Center Ice AND NHL Network, which, as Amy rightly points out, are two separate entities.

Nick

NHL Network anyone?

Just received notice of new channels in Maryland -- THANK YOU! I complained a lot on the first posting back in Nov/Dec when Verizon first mentioned.

Now I have Versus HD and Big Ten HD -- plus a ton of others, other than reprogramming my Pronto remote because of all the new channel nubmers I'm very pleased.

Thanks for MSNBC in West Orange NJ... Very much appreciated.

Count me as one more FiOS (and phone) customer (and VZ stockholder) in a Cablevision area of NJ who would be VERY interested in switching to FiOS TV, but for whom the absence of MSNBC is an absolute dealbreaker. I know, you're working on it, and based on the thread, I don't expect more specifics -- I just want to add my voice to the apparently large number of potential customers who won't switch until MSNBC is available. Thanks, Eric.

Eric

Your silence about the NHL Network kinda says it all--
For what it is worth, A bunch of friends and myself are not switching to FIOS until the NHL Network is included in the lineup

According to that link, West Orange now has MSNBC!

http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/channel+lineup/channel+lineup.htm

And just in time for NFL season, I can switch to FiOS!!! Very happy.
I actually don't believe it, so I'll stop by a local branch to see it in action, then switch.

Awesome!

Eric

Why hasn't FIOS signed up the NHL Network yet?
DirectTV carries it on its basic lineup on channel 215 and all other major cable providers also carry it.
Why is it taking so long for FIOS to work out a contract for the NHL Network?

James

WHEN will the REMINDER function be put onto the DVR boxes. I don't want to RECORD everyhting that LOOKS interesting...only be REMINDED to have a look. You managed this on the non-DVR boxes....what about those of us that PAY A PREMIUM...why are we shorted on options?

When will Scotch Plains (no Cablevision here) get MSNBC? All surrounding communities of Plainfield, Mountainside, Berkeley Heights, New Providence and Cranford show on your list. No MSNBC is a deal-breaker and I am on the verge of signing with Comcast for 2-year tripleplay deal. Cannot keep waiting! I would have subscribe 6 months ago if MSNBC had been on your station list.

About six months ago I signed up for FIOS, only because of the price. I was totally happy with Directv but in these times was looking to save money. MSNBC not being available was a complete surprise. Everytime I called the office I got a different story about when it will be available! I am in a Cablevision area (even though I haven't had them in years) and they are still controlling what I can watch. We will probably be returning to Directv very soon (there is an election coming up). I am sorry too because you do have a very good alternative for the people that hate Cablevision and can't satellite

Eric,

I will try one more time and keep it simple. I know from previous communications that you cannot elaborate concerning negotiations with networks. However, is the NHL Network in the future plans of FIOS TV. Yes or No

Thank you,

Amy

Nancy,

RFD TV will be on channel 247. You can get the most up-to-date channel lineup for any market online at Verizon FiOS TV Launches New Channels

http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/channel+lineup/channel+lineup.htm

Eric

NHL Center ice is all I need to make the switch to FIOS TV - even an uppdate as to a possible time frame would let me consider the switch.

YOU PLANING TO ADD CARACOL TO YOU LIST

Thank you for picking up RFD-TV. I am missing my equine related programming since we switched from
DirectTV. I can hardly wait for RFD to start on FiosTV. This is also true of many friends here in Chester County. What will the channel number be?

Will you be sending out a new channel lineup?

I am also eager for Verizon to get NHL Network as well as Center Ice. I wouldn't have switched over if I knew how long it was going to take. What is the reason that you don't have them yet? I can't seem to get a straight answer.

Eric,

Thanks for your replies--
I agree FIOS is pretty good as it is but why include channels like VERIA,RFDTV or even the "BIGTEN" network and not the NHL network and NBA TV?
The lack of Hockey content is truly frustrating to me and I'm sure many other viewers feel the same way about it.
If Verizon will ever include those 15 channels I mentioned in my first post, FIOS would undoubtely be the ULTIMATE TV PACKAGE way ahead of everybody else.

Alex

Eric,

Add me to the list of those waiting for the sports and channels that I eagerly switched over to FIOS from Comcast as soon as I could. I What is the plan for NHL Center Ice and Baseball. Comcast was annoying but at least they had all this stuff. Fios promised all these services and hasn't delivered on really anything at this point. TBS, Versus, MLB EI, NHL CI...please tell us when the Philly area or anywhere is going to get this stuff. Heck I live in Comcast's backyard you should be trying to kick their butts here.

Good effort on getting this nice long list of NJ communities.
However, I dont see anyone on this blog raising a stink for the communities just added, while West Orange returns a number of such requests.

West Orange is one of the larger communities in Northern NJ so please continue your hard work here and get us prioritized.

I'll check back after the Olympics. If all goes well, I think you'll have a number of new, politically minded individuals who will subscribe to a number of your services (VOD, FiOs internet, etc.)

Thanks

Eric,

We had a local channel 45 for local west orange programming for about two weeks- it was great. it was one of the major things i missed about comcast. on saturday our cable went out and when it came back, channel 45 was not in the lineup. What happened. West Orange residents really want to have their local cable channel.

any info would be helpful.

lisa in west orange

I just had Verizon Fios installed in a triple play package(phone, computer and TV. I was told it offered more channels than Cablevision and there was nothing Cablevision had yhat Verizon didn't! WRONG...I can't get MSNBC...and I would actually consider dropping you and switching back if you you can't get that channel this election year. Pay Cablevision and please get it!!

Eric,

The responses concerning the NHL are all centering on the NHL Center Ice pay per view package. I have seen numerous inquiries about the NHL Network which is a separate entity from NHL Center Ice. I know you cannot elaborate but is the NHL Network in the plans for FIOS TV?

Thank you

Steve,

For local news, you can also check out RNN, which airs on channel 6 in the New York metro market. It provides local news about the Tri-State area.

Eric

Alex and Bill,

We haven’t forgotten about NHL Center Ice, but I don’t have any updates at this time.

Eric

Thanks for the update and all the hard work, Eric. I'll be setting an appointment to get rid of our analog cable this week!

Dan

So West Orange still isn't on the "now or soon" list?

We've only had FIOS in this COMCAST-ONLY TOWN for, what, over two years now? We should have had MSNBC all along, inexplicably never did, and somehow aren't at the top of the list for it now? I know you keep mentioning we're supposed to get it, but that's not the same as actually having it, you know?

It's about 90 days to the election. Are we going to have it in time or not?

No question... all those HD channels are very exciting... I do not believe that Comcast, Cablevision, etc. carry all those HD channels... however, is it known if Verizon can begin to offer sports packages such as NHL Center Ice... MLB Extra Innings, etc... and when?

Progress Report on Offering MSNBC in Northern New Jersey:


We’re making good progress on adding MSNBC to the FiOS TV lineup in parts of Northern NJ that are outside of Cablevision territory. Here is a list of franchise areas where it is now available, or soon will be, as of the date of this posting. More towns are targeted to get MSNBC, and I’ll update this list with additional communities when I can.



Branchburg Township, Livingston Township, Millburn Township, Allenhurst Borough, Belleville Township, Berkeley Heights Township, Bernardsville Borough, Bloomfield Township, Brick Township, Carlstadt Borough, Chatham Township, Chester Township, City of Englewood, Clark Township, Cliffside Park Borough, Cranford Township, Deal Borough, East Brunswick Township, Glen Ridge Borough, Summit City, East Newark Borough, East Orange City, East Rutherford Borough, Eatontown, Edgewater Borough, Englewood Cliffs Borough, Essex Fells Township, Fair Haven Borough, Fairfield Township, Fairview Borough, Fanwood Borough, Far Hills Borough, Fort Lee Borough, Freehold Borough, Garwood Borough, Guttenberg Town, Harding Township, Harrison Town, Hazlet Township, Helmetta Borough, Highlands, Hillside Township, Holmdel Township, Island Heights Borough, Jamesburg Borough, Jersey City, Kearny Town, Kenilworth Borough, Leonia Borough, Little Ferry Borough, Little Silver Borough, Loch Arbour Village, Long Branch City, Long Hill Township, Lyndhurst Township, Maplewood Township, Mendham Borough, Mendham Township, Middletown Township, Monmouth Beach Borough, Montclair Township, Moonachie Borough, Mountainside Borough, New Providence Borough, North Arlington Borough, North Plainfield Borough, Oceanport Borough, Orange City, Palisades Park Borough, Peapack/Gladstone Borough, Perth Amboy City, Plainfield City, Readington Township, Red Park Borough, Sea Bright Borough, Teterboro Borough, West Caldwell Township, Winfield Township.

Eric

Sean,

As we’ve mentioned here on the PolicyBlog, we are working on bringing MSNBC to areas in Northern New Jersey where we’re permitted to offer the channel. This includes West Orange. Until that time, this channel is reserved for MSNBC’s Olympics coverage, which all customers will be able to see, regardless of their location. So, you’ll get to enjoy all of the Olympics coverage…and soon you’ll get to enjoy MSNBC all the time.

Eric

Dan,

You can now find in this thread a list of many of the Northern New Jersey communities where we’re adding MSNBC. I’ll be updating this list with more communities in the future.

Eric

Dear Eric,

Verizon Fios needs to add CBS College Sports! Preferrably in HD. The competetion has this channel. I live in Texas and miss out on Conference USA football and basketball since CBSCS is the #1 carrier of Conference USA football and basketball. CBSCS is not just about C-USA, they show action from many conferences. In the near future CBSCS will start broadcasting the 1st and 2nd rounds of the NCAA Mens College Basketball Tournament, better known as March Madness. Verizon needs to get on the ball and grab this up and coming, all college sports programming1

Thanks,
Jim

Eric, is it possible to have a local News Channel, similar to News 12? Although i like news 12, i think the whole "local as local news get" concept could use a makeover. There's zilch chance of cablevision allowing News 12 on Verizon, considering their tag line is that its not aired on Fios. so i think the only option would be to have a Verizon version of News 12, and i think they could do a much better job.

I'm with FIOS but I don't care for their latest "Bigten" addition and I'm really getting impatient about them not getting the NHL Network and "CenterIce"-- Am I the only one to feel this way?

Eric,
This is really great. Thank you so much for keeping a blog.
I had FiOS, yet converted to Comcast due to MSNBC and customer service issues.
Yet as MSNBC is rolled out to more Northern NJ customers, maybe I can overlook the customer service problems and look towards the 100+ HD channels, compared to Comcasts's 6 HD Channels (excl. movie and network HD channels. Yes it's pitiful.)

Donald

Why is it that we are never given a clear answer in regards to a time frame for Center Ice and NHL Network? I am still stuck at 20 some HD channels and have been promised more for a while. I simply want to know: Will the NHL Network and NHL Center Ice be available come start of the hockey season?

Thanks

Eric, I live in Northern NJ (West Orange, zip code 07052) and it says on the new [7/30] channel listing that we have MSNBC on channel 103. Yet when I go to the channel it's just a Beijing Olympics channel. Was that a mistake or is MSNBC really coming soon? We used to have that channel with Comcast and it's the only thing missing from FIOS TV. Thanks...

That's terrific news, Eric!
Could you let us (people who still have cable) know when MSNBC is 'turned on' in these townships so that we can finally make the switch to FIOS TV and say goodbye to cable's analog and measley HD offerings. It would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again,
Dan

Dan,

I’ve posted in this thread a list of Northern New Jersey communities where MSNBC is available or soon will be, and Long Hill Township is included. I’ll update the list as we make it available to even more communities.

Eric

Alex,

We already offer more than 400 channels on Verizon FiOS TV, and we continue to add new programming to the lineup. Thanks for letting us know that you’re interested in these channels.

Eric

Just wanted to add Long Hill Township to the MSNBC "wish list." We are exclusively served by Comcast, so I would hope we are on the schedule.

Thanks again for your efforts, Eric.
Dan

Glad to see you are looking at adding the NHL Center Ice package. The only reason i'm still with Dish Network is because of the NHL Center Ice package. As soon as you add it, i'll be making the switch.

When will we receive CBS College Sports on our FIOS HDTV? Comcast has it!

To have the best channel lineup FIOS will have to include the NHL Network, NBA TV, EURONEWS, NASA TV, "Chill", LINK TV and the Documentary Channel no to mention all the missing STARZ and CineMax "WEST" channels

I have disconnected my comcast service awaiting FIOS installtion. The cable for FIOS was installed over a year ago, my landlord supports having FIOS in our building and i would sign up as fast as the fiber optic could carry me.I am currently a verizon Land line, cell phone, broadband user. How do we ever get it installed? I get no information from the reps except that service is not available.. DUH?

I've been a FIOS subscriber since it has been available in West Orange, having switched from Comcast. I'd really like to know when MSNBC will be available, at least whether or not you plan on adding it before after the election (100 or so days from now). Without knowing this answer I'll be forced to switch my TV service to DirecTV. I like your service very much, but this issue with MSNBC is not a policy / exclusivity problem for West Orange, this is a technical hurdle Verizon can (and with your comments will eventually) overcome. I understand that some communities are being updated, I'd just like to be able to plan around your intentions. I appreciate your efforts with this blog. I'm glad there is a channel of communication available to reach out to you. Thanks, Jack

Lisa, in several markets, Comcast has moved MSNBC (but not, you may notice, Fox News ... wonder why ..) to a digital cable-only tier. That may be the case where you are.

Hey Eric....what about the MLB extra Innings package you promised in February? Don't mince words with me either....."MOM AND APPLE PIE REJOICE....."

I know it has been asked to death, but when will NHL Center Ice be available?

Eric,

Any reason you don't carry Showtime/Starz/Cinemax/HBO in HD on demand. That is a feature I miss very much after switching from Comcast.

Add me to the group eagerly awaiting NHL Center Ice. Any chance that if you do carry it this year, you'll carry multiple HD feeds. Canadian HD feeds would be fantastic if possible.

Eric - thanks for your reply and I'm pleased that these two important HD improvements are in the works. Verizon has wisely invested in the technology to deliver really high quality content which, together with on-going improvements in HDTV hardware, make the future really exciting. With more HD content on the way and continued cost reductions on high quality HDTV's the future is indeed bright. The fact that you've led the way with multi-room and On Demand are definately what we customer's want. Please don't be tempted to become a hardware company, though. Your exisitng and future settop boxes will never satisfy all of us so focus on the "connectivity" that allows us users to add home theater components as they wish and upgrade storage capacity to save some of this terrific programming to watch when our busy lives allow. Often times I find its weeks before I get a chance to watch some of my favorite shows. Keep up the good work. Randy

Ken,

From time to time, I’ll update the list of Northern New Jersey communities that can now get MSNBC, but I’m not going to be able to announce the schedule in advance. So I hope you continue to watch this thread for updated information.

Eric

Randy,

First, I’m glad to hear that your family has enjoyed our Home Media DVR, which eliminates the need for multiple DVRs throughout the house. You’re right that the service currently lets customers stream recorded standard definition programming, but we will add the ability to stream recorded HD content later this year. Until that happens, you can record up to 18 hours of HD programming with our HD DVR and watch it on your new HDTV. We are evaluating larger disk drives for our DVRs and expect to support external HDDs in the future.

Eric

Eric,

I'm not sure if they are in your plans or not but please consider adding NHL Network and CBS College Sports TV. Reading some of these posts, there appears to be a common misconception that NHL Center Ice and the NHL Network go hand in hand. They do not. The NHL Network can be added as a separate entity just like the NFL Network can be.

give us msnbc in west orange

Your comments about msnbc are not true. I live in a comcast market in northern nj and we do not have msnbc. i will tell you that i miss it and i know several people who have not switched to fios as a result.

OlympicsFans

Verizon customers will be able to catch Olympics coverage from NBC Universal on their TVs, computers and mobile phones. Our FiOS TV programming will include the two NBC HD channels dedicated to Olympic basketball and soccer that you asked about. FiOS TV customers will also be able to see replays of a variety of events in our video-on-demand library. In addition to the TV coverage, Verizon FiOS Internet and High Speed Internet customers will have access to live streaming of more than 20 different sports, and Verizon Wireless customers will be able to keep up breaking news, scores and results on V CAST video. Verizon TV, broadband and wireless customers already have access to a variety of pre-game content. Take a look at our press release for more details.

http://newscenter.verizon.com/press-releases/verizon/2008/verizon-customers-get-new.html

Eric, glad to have found this blog. Any idea when West Orange will be getting MSNBC? It's another Comcast-only town that's been suffering under this strange Cablevision deal. I've had DirecTV since 1997, and love my HD DirecTivo, but I'm not getting nearly as much HD content as I should because I won't give up the Tivo for the lousy DirecTV DVR.

As soon as you have MSNBC available to me, I'm getting HD Tivos, cablecards, and FIOS.

Eric - My FIOS TV/Internet/Phone was operational before the trench bringing to Sarasota had grass growing on it. I've been enjoying the Home Media DVR streaming recorded content to the 7 televisions in my house for the benefit of my wife, children and myself. With the 08 Olympics a month away I finally invested several thousand dollars in an 1080p LCD HDTV. I love the HD and now wonder how I did without it! I've quickly discovered two disappointing limitations that I'd like your comments on. First, I just postponed buying a second HDTV and upgraded set top box when I learned I can't stream HD as I have successfully done in SD from Day 1. Second, the size of the hard drive in the DVR forces me to record & watch in SD...even on my new HDTV...since the capacity won't allow sufficient HD capacity, even if I could stream it. These two limitations have made the significant investment in HD now seem foolish. I've seen "later this year" on HD streaming...is this realistic? And, with the price of 1 TB hard drives now below $200, when will we get either significantly larger DVR HDD's or, better yet, the ability to hook one of the many readily available external HDD's via firewire or SATA. The latter is by far preferable since it allows me to choose how much content I want to archive. Thanks in advance. Randy in Florida

Chet,

Welcome to PolicyBlog, and glad to hear that you’re adding FiOS TV to your FiOS Internet service. As I’ve written elsewhere on PolicyBlog, we’re beginning to offer MSNBC in parts of Northern New Jersey that are outside of Cablevision territory. If, at some point, we are able to make it available elsewhere in NY Metro area, we’ll let you know here. In answer to your last question, PolicyBlog is undergoing long overdue upgrades. Speed and uptime should improve dramatically (we hope) when they are done.

Eric

Glenn,
It’s great that you’re a FiOS fan, and your 100” screen must be amazing. We’ve launched Versus HD in Fort Wayne, and it’s coming to all of our markets, but we haven’t announced a timetable. We’ll let you and other customers know 30 days in advance when we’re adding new channels in your market.
Eric

Hank, I am not sure of your area but NASA is actually a PEG (Public, Education, Govt) Channel in the Tampa Bay Fl area Channel 34.

Will Vs. HD be available before the end of the Tour de France? I was hooked last summer when I was still on Comcast. Going back to SD version is kind of painful on a projector with a 100" screen.

I'm in suburban Philly area and I made sure my new house had Fios available! Loved it in my last house and now love it here too.

I'm scheduled for Fios TV hook up on August 20th on Staten Island. I have had Fios Internet for over a year. Like others here, the one thing that bothers me about Fios is no MSNBC and no MSG HD. As Cablevision has ZERO presence on Staten Island (we are all TW territory), will Verizon have at least MSNBC on the channel line up here?

Personally, I really think there is something very fishy about the agreement MSNBC has with Cablevision...just too secretive for its own good.

Lastly, and this is probably the wrong place to post this, but why is this site 1) Down so often- this is the first time I got on since finding out about it a week ago; and 2) Why is it so incredibly slow?

Thanks!

Russell, GA, Matt and Ryan in MD,

I can’t be more specific about future content additions here, but sports. and HD programming continue to be priorities for us.

Matt, we recently launched Versus/Golf HD in our Fort Wayne market, and we’ll roll it out, region by region, in other areas where FiOS TV is available.

Eric

I hope we're also on the list for turning-on MSNBC access. We're in the East Windsor/Western Monmouth county area, totally Comcast, and (many of my neighbors would argue) *not* northern New Jersey. Why are we being denied a channel because of a NY-Metro area contract?

Eric, you can add the city of Summit to the list of Comcast communities in Northern New Jersey that have MSNBC on FiOS TV. I live in Summit and I am a former Comcast customer. I have had MSNBC on FiOS TV since the middle of June.

When are you going to put Nasa TV on Verizon. It's a free service.

Thanks for the information and future updates, Eric....I'll keep an eye out on this thread. Hope to see Long Hill Township make the list!

Thanks again.

Dan,

We’re in the process of turning on MSNBC in some Comcast areas of Northern New Jersey where we have not had it until now. Some of the communities where it’s now available, or will be soon, are Livingston Township, Milburn Township, Bernardsville Borough, Berkeley Heights Township, Bloomfield Township and Cranford Township. I’ll update our progress in a future comment on this thread.

Eric

Mike,

During the next few months, we’ll roll out the new content to the other regions where FiOS TV is available. As I’ve mentioned elsewhere in this thread, we’ll notify customers 30 days in advance of the launch of the new channels in their market. Why not announce the entire schedule? Our competitors actively seek information about where we will go next in order to market against us with special promotions and long-term contracts. So we’re not anxious to help them with that by disclosing information any earlier than necessary. Yes, we’re beginning this rollout later than we anticipated in November, but we’ll offer all available major HD programming by the end of the year.

Carl,

We hope to have you as a customer at some point in the future so that you can enjoy all the great programming and features that FiOS TV offers.

Joel,

Glad to hear that you like the multi-room DVR, which is part of our Home Media DVR service. It allows you to watch separate recorded shows on up to three TVs at the same time or pause a recorded show in one room and pick it up in another. We plan to add the ability to share recorded HD programming on other TVs later this year.

Eric

JZ,

We know that many customers are looking forward to MLB Extra Innings, but it’s simply not possible for me to be more specific at this time.

Eric

Zootube,

As you suggest, making the switch to all digital is a key part of adding new programming, and, once that process is finished, we will indeed be able to add programming more easily. As I’ve said elsewhere in this thread, customers will be notified 30 days in advance of the new content additions in their market.

Eric,

I switched to fios TV as soon as it was available in my area of Maryland and love the offering. My biggest problem is the lack of NHL Center Ice which is avialable from the other providers. I spend the majority of my tv viewing time watching hockey and am desperately waiting for FIOS to add NHL Center Ice. When's it gonna happen!?

Eric, any chance of getting the NHL network, either in SD or HD, anytime soon?

Eric -

Great news on some of these new channels. You make reference to still working on Extra Innings. Is there any chance it will be closed prior to this season or are we looking at next year?

Thanks,
Josh

I just wanted to confirm that the Big Ten Network will be a rollout nationally and not confined to the Midwest. There are many northerns like myself that follow Big Ten sports in Florida and signed up with Verizon Fios in anticipation of this channel being added. Very anxious as football season is just around the corner.

Thanks,
George

NBC has added dedicated networks, including a Soccer Channel and a Basketball Channel for the Olympics. So far, I have only heard that Comcast and Cox were the program providers picking these statinos up. Will FIOS be picking these up as well?
Thank you.

Eric, thanks for the update and the info on the new stations. I noticed in an earlier list of channels that MLB Extra Innings was included (I believe at Channel 1100 and up). But I don't see it up there now. Any word on how things are progressing?

Eric,

In regards to the progress made in offering MSNBC outside of Cablevision territory - could you update us on when communities are hooked up with MSNBC. I live in a Comcast area and my family doesn't want to give MSNBC up, so we're stuck with our cable company until the channel is made available in our area by Verizon. The info. would be greatly appreciated, as I will make the switch the minute the channel becomes available.

Thanks.

I have to agree with DRX. Why not announce the whole roll out schedule? Or is it to save the embarrassment of not being able to hit those goals? Your other blog entry promised twice as many HD channels by Spring and here it is July and only the Ft. Wayne market gets anything (and no offense, there aren't many "top level" channels being added). Not that the Verizon Gods will let you answer, but any word on Virginia Beach?

Eric,

As I told the solicitor that came to my door the other day, I am not switching to FIOS until I can subscribe to NHL Center Ice. The longer this takes in Southern California, the chances increase that I MAY stay with Time Warner as they have scheduled SDV to be deployed in Orange County next year.

Please keep us updated as the the progress with NHL Center Ice and the NHL Network.

Carl

This is great! I can't wait for the additional HD channels in the Northern Virginia market.

But still...when is multi-room HD DVR viewing coming to the set top boxes?

With all of these new HD channels it is disappointing that your wonderful multi-room DVR (that we love!) can only share SD content on SD boxes.

eric --

You mention hoping to offer Extra Innings again your note...Is there a possibility still for this year or will it not be till next year?

JZ

Eric, is the addition to the new content in an area related to the move from analog to digital conversion? The Tampa Bay area did get a note of the conversion date to digital. Could the new content be same time of near future?

JB, all i have for you is that we're working on it.

Rashid,
We have made some progress in offering MSNBC in Northern New Jersey, and we’re already offering it to customers in some areas that are eligible for the channel. By “eligible,” I mean areas in Northern New Jersey that are outside of Cablevision territory. Over the next few months, we’ll make MSNBC available in other eligible communities, so watch for it if you’re not receiving it today.

Paul, RFD TV will be on channel 247 in Fort Wayne. You have to look at the online channel lineup specific to Fort Wayne to see it.

Joe, as we’ve said previously, customers will be notified 30 days before the new channels are added. Hope you can stick around as we're pushing hard to get these done.

Eric, one channel here in Pittsburgh (love FIOS's picture by the way, it is awesome) that we have not been able to get an update on is Fox Sports Net (channel 66) in HD. With the Penquins doing well, we would love to be able to see them in the fall in HD. I know you can't commit to anything, but can you give any kind of update?

Eric, love your blog and love the HD picture I get with FIOS. One channel that I have been asking about since I got FIOS last November is our regional FOX Sports Net HD (FSN SD is channel 66, Mario's number, coincidence, I think not :-). With the Penguins doing so good, we would love to see them in HD in the Fall (866 maybe?). Can you give any update there?

Will verizon be offering the Big Ten Channels by Aug 30, 2008 (OSU football) in the Flower Mound, Tx area? Two of Ohio State's first 3 games are covered only by the BTN. We would prefer not to switch to a competing service as we are otherwise happy with Verizon.

Eric,
Above you wrote, "We are offering MSNBC in many parts of the NY Metro area where we're able to do so." That's not true. We in the Red Bank-Rumson area are blocked from MSNBC, even though our area was never serviced by Cablevision. We (and many of our friends and neighbors) have daily discussions about how much longer we will be willing to wait in this crucial election year before switching back to Comcast, just for MSNBC and their excellent political coverage.
Bonnie

Verizon's blocking _all_ of Northern NJ from receiving MSNBC, not just Cablevision-covered areas. I reside in Comcast territory yet am unable to receive MSNBC. Ditto for tens of thousands of others who are eligible for FIOS TV.

Verizon is well aware of why and how this is being done ( to simplify rights management, instead of creating an additional channel map for those who are eligible, they send the same one with MSNBC disabled to all of Northern NJ).

Stopping short of CV deal (NBC's to blame, not Verizon), VZ has to bite the bullet and create a different channel map for the eligible crowd. The CV deal has a list of affected ZIP codes. Using that and customer's service ZIP, it is no rocket science to set up non-CV subs for MSNBC.

You mention RFD-TV as an added channel, but I don't see it listed on any of the channel line-ups on www.verizonfios.com. Are you really adding this channel?

DRX,
It’s great to see customers excited about the growing programming choices on FiOS TV. In the next several months, all of our markets will get the new channels we announced on July 1. We’re notifying customers by mail approximately 30 days prior to the launch of the new channels in their market, so watch for your notification. By the end of 2008, we will offer all available major HD programming in all our markets. We’ll have the capacity to offer 150 HD channels, as we estimated last November, but, of course, we rely on programmers to offer HD channels of interest to customers, so what’s available to us will determine what we are able to offer. For instance, in some markets, local programming may not be available in HD yet. But whatever the number, we will be the leader in offering exciting programming, and in HD, bar none.

As you suggest, making the switch to all digital is a key part of adding new programming, and, once that process is finished, we will indeed be able to add programming more easily.
Eric

Honestly its about time. I signed up for FIOS service in the Tampa area as soon as it was offered (first one on the block). I did so because I was told of the unlimited bandwidth which would allow for more HD channels. As it stands today there is no comparison in the number of channels between Verizon and DirectTV. If by the start of the NFL season Verizon has not signficantly increased their HD content...I'm off to DirectTV where I can get all the HD content available PLUS NFL Ticket. Get moving Verizon and get the HD channels/selections you advertised to get us to get us to switch providers.

Please get the BTN to all of the "Big Ten" States prior to the start of football season. I signed up for FIOS TV when you could no longer select verizon as a "Carrier to e-mail" on the site, which signaled that a deal had been reached. It would be a waste not to have it for football season. Everyone else in the Philadelphia area has BTN (Dish, Direct TV, even Comcast).

If FIOS is going to be a leader in HDTV, why are you lagging last? The view of the race never changes unless you are first, so how long until you are the provider with the most HD content?

Marvin,
We are offering MSNBC in many parts of the NY Metro area where we're able to do so. For those areas that cannot currently receive MSNBC, we will offer the channel during the Olympic games so that none of our FiOS TV customers miss any of the Olympics action.

As some of you already know, distribution rights currently are not granted to Verizon FiOS in markets where Cablevision is the incumbent provider. We have MSNBC on our lineup everywhere except the NY Metro area. Unfortunately, I can’t say when this restriction will end, but we hope to be able to offer MSNBC to our customers in the region as soon as possible.
Eric

It's great news that Verizon is finally rolling out some new HD channels. What I don't understand is, why not announce the dates for all the regions at once instead of one region at a time? It's painful to sit there watching certain channels in SD while wondering if the channel will be available in HD in a few days or a few months.

Also, how does this delayed roll out of new channels affect the promise Verizon made last November about having 150 HD channels by end of 2008? I hardly think any of the customers will consider that promise being succesfully fulfilled if only one or two markets have all those channels by year's end.

Is it just the analog shutoff that is taking the most time? And once that is completed will new HD channels get added a lot faster? I would think once all markets have lost analog, adding the remaining of the 150 HD channels would happen lickety split.

So what can you tell us?

Please work out a deal with those of us in the markets surrounding NYC to bring MSG HD before the start of the 2008-09 NHL Hockey Season.

Thanks

I converted over to FIOS more than a year ago, and have been very happy. There is one question that I have never gotten an official answer for. It has been rumored that Cablevision, on Long Island NY, has a exclusive distribution arrangement with MSNBC. Is this true? Verizon FIOS offers MSNBC in other markets that they serve. Will Long Island ever get MSNBC?

Can you please just try and get TBS HD before the MLB Playoffs this year?