Disputes between the Big Ten Network and State College's leading cable provider over its refusal to carry the channel are still fuming as the network's August launch date approaches.
Jeff Alexander, Comcast's vice president of public relations, said the company recognizes there are Big Ten alumni and fans throughout the area who will want to watch the games; however, Comcast is not willing to carry the network as a part of its basic cable package.
By adding the network to the Comcast sports tier -- an option available to those with digital cable through Comcast -- customers who wish to have the network would be able to easily access it, Alexander said.
He said Comcast does not want to make subscribers throughout Pennsylvania pay for the Big Ten Network if they don't want it.
"If Big Ten Network got their way, it would amount to a $13 Big Ten Network tax per household, per year," Alexander said.
If Comcast included the network in its basic cable package, it would pay the Big Ten Network $1.10 per household per month, he added.
Elizabeth Conlisk, the Big Ten Network's vice president of communications, said Comcast should not pass this cost to their customers to purchase the network because they are making more than enough revenue to cover the cost on their own.
"They make enough money. They don't need to pass along the cost," Conlisk said of Comcast. "The company seems to be doing quite well."
Conlisk added that Comcast's cable revenue increased by 12 percent in the second quarter of 2007.
Alexander said Comcast does not want "to force millions of cable customers" to pay the additional tax. Comcast subscribers living in the eight states encompassing the Big Ten region who are not fans of university sports should not have to pay for the network, he added.
Comcast believes the sports tier option, which is an additional $5 after purchasing a digital cable package, is the "best and fairest way to bring [the network] to customers," Alexander said.
Alexander also said two out of three Comcast subscribers choose digital cable and that Comcast expects 80 percent of subscriptions to be digital in 18 months.
For Michael Manley (junior-health policy and administration), the idea of the Big Ten Network is extremely appealing.
Manley said that while he can see Comcast's point of view, he is an avid Penn State and Big Ten sports fan and cannot deny that he loves the idea of the Big Ten Network being a part of his basic cable package.
"For a Big Ten channel, I'd pay like $20," Manley said.
Manley added that since three or four students usually live in an apartment, the cost of the package could be split more easily.
Devon Cogley (junior-health policy and administration) said the network sounds "awesome." She said that with so many "hard-core Penn State fans," people would most likely pay for the network.
Alexander said Comcast will continue to talk to the network about incorporating the program in its cable package.
"We are still in discussions with the Big Ten Network and will continue to do so with the hope that we can reach an agreement," Alexander said.
