First LHN provider

[rage-a-holic]

from Hellraiser

I asked a person that has some contacts in the athletic department about ESPN3 or Game Plan and got a very cryptic message back:

deals with tv service providers will preclude us from being able to provide distribution on another platform because of its exclusivity with LHN.


So if I am reading that right, that would mean that the deal with the cable companies keeps it from showing on Game Plan or ESPN3.

[Ghost of LL]

For what it's worth...

Just spoke with a contact in the marketing/advertising department (think advertising Sales Manager) @ AT&T and they have now an agreement in principal for Statewide distribution. Internal memo being circulated. More details to come. UVERSE channel to be in the 600's (1600's for HD). Her quote, "as much money as we have tied up in being a UT sponsor, we have a vested interest in getting this rolled out quickly. Now that a base agreement has been agreed to, we can respond to our our current advertising clients that have inquired about inclusion in the LHN advertising cycle for the Rice game. I think this will move rather quickly now."

Well that's it, then--adios DirecTV.

[Hellraiser97]

so will LHN programming be included on ESPN3? anyone know?

I posted either on this thread or one of the others the response that came from the athletic department. It was cryptic, but it seemed that it would not, at least the Rice game would not.

[TouchdownTexas]

so will LHN programming be included on ESPN3? anyone know?

Doubtful unless the carriers want to work against their own revenue stream. If ESPN wants to set the bar at $.40 per subscriber, why would they allow an online option for free that undercuts those individuals that paid for it?

[neonmoon44]

For what it's worth...

Just spoke with a contact in the marketing/advertising department (think advertising Sales Manager) @ AT&T and they have now an agreement in principal for Statewide distribution. Internal memo being circulated. More details to come. UVERSE channel to be in the 600's (1600's for HD). Her quote, "as much money as we have tied up in being a UT sponsor, we have a vested interest in getting this rolled out quickly. Now that a base agreement has been agreed to, we can respond to our our current advertising clients that have inquired about inclusion in the LHN advertising cycle for the Rice game. I think this will move rather quickly now."

$#@! YES

I just masturbated to this post.

Sorry If I just made it awkward.

[Longhorn94]

Doubtful unless the carriers want to work against their own revenue stream. If ESPN wants to set the bar at $.40 per subscriber, why would they allow an online option for free that undercuts those individuals that paid for it?

my guess would be that you would have to subscribe to one of the service providers in order to see it on espn3 like you do right now for the rest of the programming.

when i watch espn3 right now, i log in with an att uverse login. i dont see why it would be any different for the inclusion of LHN content. they put just about every single college football game up on ESPN3.

it would not work against their own revenue stream if they required you to have a subscription to one of the service providers carrying the LHN.

[tjhooker]

This $#@! with Directv got me so pissed off last night I tore down my deck. That'll teach those muthafuckas.

[Jameslaw]

Not going to read all 8 pages. Anyone have any word on Verizon Fios yet?

[Beef]

I am on the line with Direct TV right now and he said as of right now (I am the first person to call him and ask). He did say that if the other company companies start jumping on board than you will see Direct TV as well.

I ended up keeping Direct TV because my bill is now $70 cheaper a month with a lot of extras thrown in like NFL Sunday Ticket.

[TexasIsBetter]

well, Dish doesn't know $#@! either

Chat Transcript
Please wait while we find a representative to assist you...
Welcome to DISH Network Chat.
Adam (ID: BU1): Hello TIB
Adam (ID: BU1): How may I help you today?
TIB: hi
Adam (ID: BU1): Hi!
TIB: I just had a quick question about to see if there is any news about the Longhorn Network and if it will be carried by Dish?
Adam (ID: BU1): I'm sorry, it doesnt appear DISH Network carries this channel. I can submit a channel request on your behalf if this is something you would like to subscribe to in the future. These requests are sent to our programming department for consideration.
TIB: well, obviously Dish does not carry it at the moment, considering it hasn't gone on the air yet, but it is supposed to be on air on Friday. Do you know if Dish is going to carry this channel? If not, then I will be switching my service to someone who will.
Adam (ID: BU1): Your satisfaction is very important to us, so I would like to transfer you to an account specialist for further assistance. Is it alright if I transfer you?
Adam (ID: BU1): Please be online while I transfer your chat.
Adam (ID: BU1) has left the session.
Please wait while we find an agent from the CH69 - Loyalty department to assist you.
You have been successfully transferred to Thiana (ID: LCA) with the Loyalty department.
Thiana (ID: LCA): I will be handling your request today. Please give me a moment to access your account and review your conversation with the previous agent.
TIB: ok
Thiana (ID: LCA): Your patience is greatly appreciated.
Thiana (ID: LCA): Hello TIB, I see you were chatting about the Longhorn Network. I will be happy to assist you. At this time we don't have any information if Dish Network will be carrying the channel. I would be happy to submit a programming request form for you.
TIB: that would be fine. i was hoping to get more information on it. I have seen that time warner cable is going to carry the channel. I just want Dish to know that if they don't carry it, then I will be making a switch to a company that will be carrying it and that is the reason.
Thiana (ID: LCA): I understand. I have had a few customers contact us already about the channel. So I am sure we will have information available soon.
TIB: especially after the fiasco with Fox last year, my patience with Dish has run thin
Thiana (ID: LCA): I understand.
TIB: well thank you for your time
Thiana (ID: LCA): Thank you for chatting with Dish Network, have a wonderful day.

[TouchdownTexas]

In an attempt to see if the right hand was communicating with the left hand @ AT&T, I just called into regular customer service and the polite lady with passable English said they believe the LHN will be part of the U200 package but doesn't know for sure. Furthermore, she does not know when it will go live but that the phones are lit up with inquiries. She has received NO confirmation that a deal has been struck. I'll call back in later today and see if anything formal has been rolled out.

[TouchdownTexas]

my guess would be that you would have to subscribe to one of the service providers in order to see it on espn3 like you do right now for the rest of the programming.

when i watch espn3 right now, i log in with an att uverse login. i dont see why it would be any different for the inclusion of LHN content. they put just about every single college football game up on ESPN3.

it would not work against their own revenue stream if they required you to have a subscription to one of the service providers carrying the LHN.

My apologies, I misread your post. Yes, if your subscription allows for access to ESPN3, then I don't see why it wouldn't work UNLESS the ESPN/Carrier agreement for the LHN is an "additional $ amount" like $2.99/month for example. You might get ESPN3 with your expanded sports bundle BUT your carrier is going to charge an additional amount for the LHN.

[Michael Knight]

Thank you for taking time to write into our customer care department. Thank you for your interest in the Longhorn Network. We are very excited about this new channel from UT and ESPN as well. We are in negotiations to add this channel, but given the network will cover only 2 football games this year, we are seeking a structure that does not create excessive rate increases for all our cable customers. No TV provider has come to an agreement to add the Longhorn Network yet although Grande continues our efforts to do so. We will be notifying our customers as soon as we know any additional details."

From Grande. Like the cut an paste fail at the end there

[Hellraiser97]

Not going to read all 8 pages. Anyone have any word on Verizon Fios yet?

You could try using the thread search function.

[DaysOff]

For what it's worth...

Just spoke with a contact in the marketing/advertising department (think advertising Sales Manager) @ AT&T and they have now an agreement in principal for Statewide distribution. Internal memo being circulated. More details to come. UVERSE channel to be in the 600's (1600's for HD). Her quote, "as much money as we have tied up in being a UT sponsor, we have a vested interest in getting this rolled out quickly. Now that a base agreement has been agreed to, we can respond to our our current advertising clients that have inquired about inclusion in the LHN advertising cycle for the Rice game. I think this will move rather quickly now."

$#@! yes

so happy if true

[crimsonlonghorn]

Curious about ESPN Gameplan on DirecTV... I ponied up for that one after moving back to the East Coast, maybe it's going to save me on Sep 3. I doubt it, but maybe.

[Tap Dancing KungFu Master]

Curious about ESPN Gameplan on DirecTV... I ponied up for that one after moving back to the East Coast, maybe it's going to save me on Sep 3. I doubt it, but maybe.

I'm pretty sure the game is exclusive to LHN. I think that's the big selling point for them.

[Wulaw Horn]

As others have said- it makes no sense for ESPN to run the game on gameplan or espn3. They're going for leverage and this is their biggest point of leverage (live football game-opener at that) with the carriers. If they air it on other venues they lose their upper hand. I'd be shocked if you could find the game outside of the longhorn network itself. Getting nervous as a Dish customer.

[Baylor fan]

Ok just to be clear when I say how you did the lHN pissed people off I am referring to yall announcing it before the big12 had ruled on it which made it seem to every one else that you were going to do it no matter what and would throw your weight around if people tried to stop you. This is what agravated much of the big12. Also I want the Big12 to stay intact not just for Baylors sake but because its what I grew up watching and I love watching all the teams in all sports.

[Longhorn94]

As others have said- it makes no sense for ESPN to run the game on gameplan or espn3. They're going for leverage and this is their biggest point of leverage (live football game-opener at that) with the carriers. If they air it on other venues they lose their upper hand. I'd be shocked if you could find the game outside of the longhorn network itself. Getting nervous as a Dish customer.

maybe im missing it but if Directv carries the LHN, why wouldnt they put it on Gameplan? How would they lose leverage doing so? Same thing for ESPN3? Why wouldnt ATT uverse customers be able to access the game on ESPN3 if ATT uverse carries the LHN? It seems to me they would actually lose leverage if they didnt put it on Gameplan or ESPN3. If I have ATT uverse but im not allowed to watch it on ESPN3 on the road or on my phone, then I dont see how that gives the LHN or ATT more leverage. It just makes for a pissed off Longhorn fan and one that is confused as to why he cant watch his team when everyone else can.

maybe youre saying if DTV or ATT did NOT carry the LHN then it wouldnt make sense to make it accessible on ESPN3 or Gameplan...? and i agree with that. But if they do carry it, then it should be accessible by that networks' subscribers in whatever formats and platforms they offer the rest of their programming.

[al pastor]

Ok just to be clear when I say how you did the lHN pissed people off I am referring to yall announcing it before the big12 had ruled on it which made it seem to every one else that you were going to do it no matter what and would throw your weight around if people tried to stop you. This is what agravated much of the big12. Also I want the Big12 to stay intact not just for Baylors sake but because its what I grew up watching and I love watching all the teams in all sports.

the big 12 only "ruled" on it b/c other schools begain crying about it, prior to that the topic wasn't so much as up for debate. The inclusion of HS sports was detailed in the press release last year announcing the network. The 2nd game is within ESPN's contractual framework with the Big12, the only reason it's staying at 1 game is to keep other parties happy, but there's nothing illegal about it, there was nothing underhanded about it, ESPN can negotiate their rights with Fox all they want, the rest of the conference objected enough to come to an alternate resolution. That's how negotiations work.

[bernorange]

TWC/Comcast gonna make it happen. F Yeah.

[Tap Dancing KungFu Master]

maybe im missing it but if Directv carries the LHN, why wouldnt they put it on Gameplan? How would they lose leverage doing so? Same thing for ESPN3? Why wouldnt ATT uverse customers be able to access the game on ESPN3 if ATT uverse carries the LHN? It seems to me they would actually lose leverage if they didnt put it on Gameplan or ESPN3. If I have ATT uverse but im not allowed to watch it on ESPN3 on the road or on my phone, then I dont see how that gives the LHN or ATT more leverage. It just makes for a pissed off Longhorn fan and one that is confused as to why he cant watch his team when everyone else can.

maybe youre saying if DTV or ATT did NOT carry the LHN then it wouldnt make sense to make it accessible on ESPN3 or Gameplan...? and i agree with that. But if they do carry it, then it should be accessible by that networks' subscribers in whatever formats and platforms they offer the rest of their programming.

Your second paragraph is what I was getting at. I thought we had pretty much decided DirectTV wasn't carrying it. I agree with all you said though.

[rantanamo]

Not going to read all 8 pages. Anyone have any word on Verizon Fios yet?

the usual in the know people on DSL reports say its a done deal. They are usually correct about 95% of the time.

[Wulaw Horn]

maybe im missing it but if Directv carries the LHN, why wouldnt they put it on Gameplan? How would they lose leverage doing so? Same thing for ESPN3? Why wouldnt ATT uverse customers be able to access the game on ESPN3 if ATT uverse carries the LHN? It seems to me they would actually lose leverage if they didnt put it on Gameplan or ESPN3. If I have ATT uverse but im not allowed to watch it on ESPN3 on the road or on my phone, then I dont see how that gives the LHN or ATT more leverage. It just makes for a pissed off Longhorn fan and one that is confused as to why he cant watch his team when everyone else can.

maybe youre saying if DTV or ATT did NOT carry the LHN then it wouldnt make sense to make it accessible on ESPN3 or Gameplan...? and i agree with that. But if they do carry it, then it should be accessible by that networks' subscribers in whatever formats and platforms they offer the rest of their programming.

Yes- I am saying what you are saying in the 2nd paragraph- I can't see how they can offer it on espn3 for you when they don't offer it on your carrier and not lose all their leverage... If Dish picks it up statewide then I'd expect them to be able to offer it as a part of gameplan for people nationwide to pay on an al a carte basis...

[Skipper]

Ok just to be clear when I say how you did the lHN pissed people off I am referring to yall announcing it before the big12 had ruled on it which made it seem to every one else that you were going to do it no matter what and would throw your weight around if people tried to stop you. This is what agravated much of the big12. Also I want the Big12 to stay intact not just for Baylors sake but because its what I grew up watching and I love watching all the teams in all sports.

Haven't you realized by now that Baylor isn't allowed to have an opinion. On anything.

[qwater25]

TWC/Comcast gonna make it happen. F Yeah.

really? I'm so down

[mikey4]

Ok just to be clear when I say how you did the lHN pissed people off I am referring to yall announcing it before the big12 had ruled on it which made it seem to every one else that you were going to do it no matter what and would throw your weight around if people tried to stop you. This is what agravated much of the big12. Also I want the Big12 to stay intact not just for Baylors sake but because its what I grew up watching and I love watching all the teams in all sports.

The Big 12 has known for years that the network was in the plans. In fact, Dodds first pitched it as a Big 12 network, but the conference voted down his proposal. There's no rule saying that a member of the conference has to get conference approval before launching a network (see, for example, KSU). And, if the conference had wanted to take action, the conference had plenty of time to do so (see above). It's not as if Texas pulled an aggy and rushed to launch the network on the eve of a scheduled vote.

[PanzerDSS]

For what it's worth...

Just spoke with a contact in the marketing/advertising department (think advertising Sales Manager) @ AT&T and they have now an agreement in principal for Statewide distribution. Internal memo being circulated. More details to come. UVERSE channel to be in the 600's (1600's for HD). Her quote, "as much money as we have tied up in being a UT sponsor, we have a vested interest in getting this rolled out quickly. Now that a base agreement has been agreed to, we can respond to our our current advertising clients that have inquired about inclusion in the LHN advertising cycle for the Rice game. I think this will move rather quickly now."

That solidifies me getting AT&T U-Verse in my new place.

[Foosters Galore]

Just to get this straight, for those of us living out of state, there is no way we will be able to watch the Rice game? (or any future game on LHN for that matter). If so, what a great deal, bc prior to this network, at minimum pay-per-view allowed me to watch every single game.

[Tap Dancing KungFu Master]

Just to get this straight, for those of us living out of state, there is no way we will be able to watch the Rice game? (or any future game on LHN for that matter). If so, what a great deal, bc prior to this network, at minimum pay-per-view allowed me to watch every single game.

Pretty sure no one knows the answer to this, but is assuming that if you have game plan or espn3 you will be able to (assuming your carrier has LHN at least in TX). That's what I gather anyways.

[MirrOlure]

Just to get this straight, for those of us living out of state, there is no way we will be able to watch the Rice game? (or any future game on LHN for that matter). If so, what a great deal, bc prior to this network, at minimum pay-per-view allowed me to watch every single game.

The current contract with ESPN is for 20 years. Sure, there may be a lag in time between statewide and nationwide availability....but much sooner than later, it will be available to anyone who wants it, anywhere.

[crimsonlonghorn]

I'm pretty sure the game is exclusive to LHN. I think that's the big selling point for them.

Curious about ESPN Gameplan on DirecTV... I ponied up for that one after moving back to the East Coast, maybe it's going to save me on Sep 3. I doubt it, but maybe.

maybe im missing it but if Directv carries the LHN, why wouldnt they put it on Gameplan? How would they lose leverage doing so? Same thing for ESPN3? Why wouldnt ATT uverse customers be able to access the game on ESPN3 if ATT uverse carries the LHN? It seems to me they would actually lose leverage if they didnt put it on Gameplan or ESPN3. If I have ATT uverse but im not allowed to watch it on ESPN3 on the road or on my phone, then I dont see how that gives the LHN or ATT more leverage. It just makes for a pissed off Longhorn fan and one that is confused as to why he cant watch his team when everyone else can.

maybe youre saying if DTV or ATT did NOT carry the LHN then it wouldnt make sense to make it accessible on ESPN3 or Gameplan...? and i agree with that. But if they do carry it, then it should be accessible by that networks' subscribers in whatever formats and platforms they offer the rest of their programming.

Well, my point is that since Gameday is a subscription ESPN property, maybe the feed (if it's even on GP) would still get through to DirecTV customers who pay for it. Probably not, but that's what I was thinking.

On the other hand, Comcast (my internet provider) provides ESPN3 for free (at least I don't have to pay directly for it), so I can see that venue being closed off for the whole reason of not losing leverage by giving anything away.

I really have no idea what's going on and if DirecTV doesn't pick up the LHN by next weekend it's going to be a gazillion times worse than not having Mad Men in HD. LOL

[lonestar3]

Well that's it, then--adios DirecTV.

This just in from DirecTV Brent:

Uverse currently has not agreed to carry the LHN either. I rechecked the LHN site and also spoke with a contact at ATT (Our primary partner with Directv) and they confirmed this. If you are hearing anything different it is purely speculation or gross misinformation.

I imagine most everyone will carry it but no major provider as of yet.

[MackDaddyInTheHouse]

For those with DirecTV, if you want to light a fire under their asses to get the deal done, call and cancel. You don't have to canel today. I just called to cancel with an effective date of Sep. 3. They told me UT events can be found on ABC/ESPN. I told them that was not good enough and that the programming LHN offered can only be found on that network. I told them that besides the two football games, it also included basketball and baseball games that fans here also care about as well as games for all of the other sports the school participates in. They immediately threw the kitchen at me. They offered me the Sports Plan, NFL ticket, and etc. I told them my favorite NFL team was Dallas and that I can pretty much watch them whenever they play. I also told them my favorite college team was more important than following a bunch of NFL teams I really don't care for. They asked me if they offered the LHN would I stay. I told them that I would and that it was the only reason I was cancelling. I told them that I think they are the best cable provider which is why I was giving them until the 3rd to work something out with ESPN. I told them that if talks between them and ESPN picked up and it looked like they would carry the channel sooner rather than later, then I would keep DirecTV, but if not, I would become a new customer of TWC.

I think this is the only way to get them to understand how serious this is. It was hard to turn down the NFL ticket, but if all they have to do is use that as a bargaining chip for customers who are going to call them in the future and threaten to cancel service over this, then they will continue to sit on their asses until the end of the year to make this happen. Depending on what is announced tomorrow in reference to this, my next complaints will be directed towards ESPN and UT to get this deal worked out with DirecTV because I really do not want to switch to another cable provider.

[ballrific]

most everyone will carry it

except directv

[TJ]

well, Dish doesn't know $#@! either

DAMN TIB IS A BAD ASS!! caps

[Xian]

so comcast is now comcastic!??! WOOT

[Buster Hymen]

From DTV



Please be advised that DIRECTV has no current plans to carry Longhorn Network. However, many University of Texas football and basketball games can be found on ESPN and ABC. You can also check your local listings for game availability.

I know how important getting Longhorn Network is to you and we're sorry that we're unable to offer this channel at this time. Rest assured that we value your opinion about our programming so I've forwarded your feedback to DIRECTV's Management Team, who review every suggestion, inquiry and complaint for trends from our most important customers to determine what changes should be considered. While this will not have an immediate impact, it will provide us with critical information when reviewing our processes and taking the necessary steps to make them more effective.

[UTinBigD]

would the second game (if it happens at all) be a road game?

I have DTV but will make all the home games. Would suck to miss a freaking conference game due to this bull$#@!. If DTV can negotiate with ESPN at the end of the year and the bball games/baseball games are not impacted, then no harm no foul. It will suck to miss all the pre/post game stuff though for the football games.

[Rusk]

I can't imagine a road game would get on the LHN unless maybe the only other option was pay-per-view.

[Ghost of LL]

For those with DirecTV, if you want to light a fire under their asses to get the deal done, call and cancel. You don't have to canel today. I just called to cancel with an effective date of Sep. 3.

That's what I just did. They were willing to give me about a quarter off my bill for six months and do a big upgrade on my equipment to get me to stay. I told them specifically--"you get the Longhorn Network, I'll stay with you."

I get every network there is. I've got about 55 movie channels, NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL. If they want to say "adios" to the absurd amount I pay them every month, then so be it.

[ngnichols]

I've got AT&T U-Verse at home so I feel pretty confident that I will be able to watch the game on September 3rd. I'll probably be having several folks over that aren't going to be getting it too. Sucks that I won't have it at work though because we have DirecTV. Those guys are missing out big time because the comments I've seen on here and on Orangebloods leads me to believe there will be hoards of their subscribers that are going to drop them.

[LordoftheFly]

i just got off the phone with DISH...no updated info yet. sounded like they have received bunches of requests & added me to those requesting the network. said to call back Friday. i'll be pissed if i miss the launch, but won't be the 1st time i've been p'ed o' (if it comes to that). i am usually of the opinion that "'tis better to be pissed off than pissed on", but in this case, i'll make an exception, e.g.: go ahead & piss on me if it means i see the launch. (i'd also make an exception if Erin Andrews &/or Michelle Beadle had an aggyesk, $#@! burning desire to piss on me)

[NameAlreadyInUse]

Just got off the phone with TWC. They told me that they are definitely going to carry it and will definitely have it in time for the Rice game. However, they don't know what package it is going to be in yet, and they aren't sure they will have all the details worked worked in time for the launch tomorrow. They currently think the earliest they can have the channel up and running is on Monday.

[I Plead Da Fif]

I called AT&T U-Verse today and spoke with their retention department and they gave me no information regarding LHN other than there is nothing definitive to state as to the contract negotiations. I told them that if they don't carry LHN by Friday and TWC will, I will be switching over on Friday. Apparently I didn't state my intentions well enough, because they didn't offer me any discount to shut me up (hopefully that's because the plan on carrying the damn channel).

I go to all the games so getting it for the Rice game isn't an issue. I want all the other sports related shows, behind the scenes stuff, baseball, and basketball games.

[WestTexEx]

Grande lady just said "no one has picked it up yet and negotiations are ongoing."
I said "can you please let the powers that be know that if any other provider picks up the network and Grande does not that I will be changing providers"
Lady: "you'll have to call and handle that yourself"
Me: "that's what I'm doing right now, I'm letting you know that, can you please note my account?"
Lady: "no, when you are ready to cancel you need to call in and do it"

They must be getting absolutely bombarded with these calls. I was on hold for something like 10 minutes and when I mentioned the LHN she let out an audible sigh and recited her response.

I'm a little concerned as earlier posts in this thread indicate that Grande-Austin intends to pick it up but I haven't heard much noise about Grande picking it up statewide.

[ravenhand]

Chatting with att uverse rep right now!

Here is my conversation with the rep

Shane: Hello, how may I assist you today?
you: I already have service with ATT Uverse but I need to know if you will have the Longhorn Network when it launches this week on the 26
Shane: Please wait for a moment so I will find that information.
Shane: As per the update from Longhorn, it will be available from Friday, you can call our customer care service team and check the exact date of launching the Longhorn Network.
Shane: Thank you for being a valued AT&T customer.
you: Ok, so let me make sure what you are saying is that it will be available on Friday correct?
Shane: Yes, it will be available from friday.
you: do you happen to know what the number of the channel it will be on.
Shane: As it is not launched yet, there is no channel number available right now.
Shane: It will be available after the channel launch.

[The University]

Trying to get Paragon Cable on the line...just ringing and ringing

dammit

[ECHorn]

Just got off the phone with TWC. They told me that they are definitely going to carry it and will definitely have it in time for the Rice game. However, they don't know what package it is going to be in yet, and they aren't sure they will have all the details worked worked in time for the launch tomorrow. They currently think the earliest they can have the channel up and running is on Monday.

damn. iwas hoping to witness the 6:00 pm Fri launch with Erin Andrews.....