Site Totals

61164 Questions Answered 265 Categories

tennis channel

Is it possible to purchase the tennis channel alone, or only as part of a sports package? We do not get it (except I think it is a free preview now during the French Open). When I log into my account, it is only list as an option under the $15/month Sports Package.

Does anyone know how much it is by itself?

Thanks!

Comments

chrisdecrn

Will Verizon be adding any other HD channels, specifically Tennis Channel HD, anytime soon? I live in NNJ and already have received the new 100 HD channels upgrade right after NYC did which is great, but more would be better because trying to watch SD channels on an HDTV isn't that fun.

matcarl

Yes, they plan on adding more. The said before the end of the year that they would carry all available HD's.

Keyboards

Depends on your location. I believe the sports package is only NNJ and NYC DMA. Tennis channel is part of the Extreme package and up. AFAIK it is not available ala carte.

firebolt

Tennis channel was just dropped completely. I wonder how we can get it back -- http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r26251034-FIOS-TV-Tennis-channel-being-dropped-?r=726#26265619

+1 for Tennis Channel (and Fox Soccer channel) in HD on FiOS!

matcarl

Firebolt, Tennis Channel was not dropped by Fios, stop confusing what Frontier does to Verizon.

matcarl

Hey Firebolt,

It turns out Verizon is in a contract dispute with Tennis Channel and it will be taken off tonight after all. What you wrote was about Frontier, but there are also other cable companies in dispute with Tennis Channel too.

GCinDFW

I woke up this morning and found that the Tennis Channel is not available. So I spoke with FIOS Customer Service and they state that the Tennis Channel is still part of the line up and an active channel. They transferred me to Tech Support who tells me that it has been dropped from the programming line up and is being dropped from most providers. I asked to file a complaint and the tech supervisor states that they are in negotiations with the Tennis Channel on carrying the channel or not.

I would like to see the Tennis Channel become active again. If you would like to see this as well, please call Verizon and give them your opinion.

Thanks,

matcarl

Already a discussion here:

tennis channel

jlf03

I am with all the others who are EXTREMELY disappointed not only in the disruption of service of TTC but the timing as well. Customer service, in general, has dropped off everywhere and I am tired of it. I pay a lot for TV service each month and this is a channel that should be included. They are purposefully playing games because this is prime time for TTC with the US Open. Verizon better bring it back by the end of the day tomorrow (when CBS's day-time coverage concludes) or I will likely look into getting Cox or DirecTV.

goltvhdnow

I am severely disappointed in Verizon. How ridiculous to cut the tennis channel in the middle of the USOPEN. I am about to quite FIOS because your "ultimate hd" channel line up does not include the best tennis or the best soccer in HD. I'm sure I'm not the only one either.

Caps09

The timing of the expiration was no mistake, but set by Tennis Channel as a way to put more pressure on providers to renew during US Open coverage. At least there are reports that Verizon is negotiating. Cablevision refuses to even talk to the channel at this point.

lauradc

I am VERY disappointed that the Tennis Channel has been pulled-lot of class Verizon...am considering cancelling

t4echo2

I clearly believe this is Tennis Channel's move to pull the plug during the US Open while they are in negotiation with FIOS. Luckily you can watch it streaming online. I hope this doesn't cause any changes to the current HD lineup, etc. Sounds like Tennis Channel is trying to to get on a lower tier for more exposure. At least this is the last night for match coverage on the Tennis Channel!!

jlf03

The good news is that TTC has live streaming of matches available - I don't know if this is something that was available previous to the issue with various cable serivice providers but there is a link from their website. The bad news, however, is that it is not great quality but I don't know if that is a function of their system or a slow connectionon my end.

reggie74

I agree with you why doing the Open..also considering canceling.

johnpalnj

I agree. Bogus of Verizon to cut FiOS during the US Open.We've paid for it -- put it back on!

rafter69

i think that was the point, that the tennis channel chose this time to annoy the most people...from the reports i've read, the tennis channel wants to be on the basic line ups and not in the tiers that you have to pay for, verizon must have said no, they want them to be paid for so it was dropped. i am sure the time frame of the US OPEN was on purpose to get people riled up. I had the tennis channel under the extreme package...but i see its not listed there anymore. is it only on for the ultimate package?

demi83

With DirectTv I could watch 8 channels of Open Tennis! Now I'm paying $70.00 for Ultimate HD and can't even see 1!!!!! SMH???

rafter69

i had the tennis channel on my extreme package, this was not the most expensive line up...so is it being pulled off of this one and moved into the higher 90 dollar one? or is verizon planning on not carrying it at all?

demi83

And that's $70.00 OVER THE $99.00 IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE!!!!

jburg2

There isn't a week that goes by that Comcast doesn't make me an offer that's superior to what I currently have from Verizon FIOS. Up to this point, it just hasn't been work the hassle. Now, it's worth the hassle.

rafter69

i also looked into the comcast listing and saw that i could have the tennis channel for 29.99 for 1 year and i think it increases the next year or so. sure sounds better than the 140 total i pay now

t4echo2

From what I found online Tennis Channel wants to be on a lower tier/pkg.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-04/tennis-channel-pulls-its-signal-from-verizon-cablevision-amid-u-s-open.html

http://straightsets.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/04/tennis-channel-pulled-from-cablevision-and-verizon-systems/

pbtennis

give us tennis channel back or i am going back to comcast

braindamage

It's not as hi-res as watching in HD on your large-screen TV, but we CAN see all the matches at usopen.org ... go to "Scores and Stats" and select "Live Scores", then pick one of the matches to watch live. It's a very nice interface, allowing instant switching between all the matches.

tns

A new broad agreement was negotiated with the Tennis Channel by a group that represented the various cable companies (including Verizon). Each individual company had until September 4th to accept or not the new agreement. A large number of companies, the largest probably being Cablevision and Verizon did not like the agreement, which, among other things, requires it to be carried in the basic tier and above. Verizon was still in talks with Tennis Channel, but the Tennis Channel decided to pull its programming from those who had not yet agreed as a tactic to pressure them.

As far as the US open, several other channels continue carrying some matches including the special 3D channel on 1003.

Nikonboy

Take a look at your customer comments. You have a great opportunity to make people happy with minimal cost. Get the Tennis Channel back ASAP. You can put on Ch. 79579 and we'd be happy!!

tns

Not the Longhorn fans.

Of course the Tennis channel slots still are there. The Tennis Channel pulled the feeds from Verizon at the moment, trying to force Verizon to accept the new agreement.

Philrodo

I'm so fed up with cable providers. I can't wait for the day when we can get all our entertainment via Internet streams, by-passing the middlemen....

Verizon, shame on you! Bring back the Tennis Channel!

paulh515

I am and avid tennis fan. I demand that FIOS negotiate with Tennis Channel to resolve this blackout immediately. Both of the parties caused this and they can resolve it.

WE WATCH THE CHANNEL EVERY WEEK FOR THEIR TOURNEY COVERAGE.

I have had Verizon FIOS since day one. I will cancel over this issue.

They can pull the plug in minutes and they can replug in minutes.

JUST DO IT AND DO IT NOW.

wsicketc

I am paying extra for this channel. Your contract is not my problem. The absence of this channel during the US Open is my problem. I want my money back with penalty.

KenWVT1

You are perfectly in your right to cancel the sport package that includes the Tennis Channel. I for one am glad that FioS is not giving in to the ridiculous demands of the Tennis Channel. The Tennis Channel should not be a basic tier channel.

-Ken

rafter69

why shouldnt it be? is the golf channel in the basic teir?

stus1

I agree 100%. How do they have the nerve to pull the plug in the middle of the biggest tournament in this country?

mihaitaa

I totally agree, this is a disgrace, bring the tennis channel back!

As I understand from sports.mydesert.com:

"The dispute revolves around what tier of service the Tennis Channel should be placed.

The Tennis Channel and the National Cable Television Cooperative, a consortium of cable operators that Verizon belongs to, reached a new deal that went into effect at midnight. The deal requires members to place Tennis Channel on a broad digital basic level — or not at all.

Under the previous agreement, cable operators could carry Tennis Channel on a digital sports tier that costs customers an extra fee each month. Verizon Fios has the Tennis Channel on its most expensive package called Ultimate

free04all

How could Verizon allow the Tennis Channel to be removed in the middle of the U.S. Open! What incredibly bad timing!

I may have to switch Brighthouse. I got the Ultimate package so I could have the Tennis Channel. Please restore it ASAP!

Shuxy1

I tried to reply to this in total agreement. This is unacceptable. Verizon forum will not accept kudos on any comment and deleted my first reply. Sad day for tennis viewers and consumers that should not be used as pawns in corporate negotiations. Switching service?

sportsnut1200

I agree. Bring back the Tennis Channel. It's a shame when the business people choose the bigges tournament of the year to fight about money.

adcourtspike

All of a sudden, during the US Open Tennis Tournament, The Tennis Channel is no longer available on Verizon FIOS TV.

Though Verizon supposedly sent out an email that the Tennis Channel would no longer be available, I never received it.

When I called Verizon, I first got the mis-information that The Tennis Channel was only available on the Ultimate TV Package.

Then the person corrected himself saying that Verizon was in "negotiation" with The Tennis Channel, but could not say when or if it would ever be available again. When I asked if I could receive a discount for this no longer being available, I was told that my contract only guaranteed the PRICE of the contract, but no guarantee on the service provided. So in other words, Verizon could minimize what it sells you and you have to pay an outrageous penalty if you want to break the contract. What kind of contract is this?

adcourtspike

Posts: 1

Registered: 09-06-2011

09-06-2011 11:37 AM

All of a sudden, during the US Open Tennis Tournament, The Tennis Channel is no longer available on Verizon FIOS TV.

Though Verizon supposedly sent out an email that the Tennis Channel would no longer be available, I never received it.

When I called Verizon, I first got the misinformation that The Tennis Channel was only available on the Ultimate TV Package.

Then the person corrected himself saying that Verizon was in "negotiation" with The Tennis Channel, but could not say when or if it would ever be available again. When I asked if I could receive a discount for this no longer being available as part of my Extreme HD TV contract, I was told that my Verizon 2 year contract only guaranteed the PRICE of the contract, but there is no guarantee on the service provided. So in other words, Verizon could minimize what it sells you and you have to pay an outrageous penalty if you want to break the contract. What kind of contract is this?

charliewatts

Gone from stupid Cablevision, too.

bobomet

There is but one reason Verizon is not offering The Tennis Channel as part of the same basic service the Golf Channel is offered under: GREED!

bobomet

Why is it exactly that the Golfers get the Golf Channel and pay nothing extra for it, but the Tennis people ar being fleeced? Verizon is about to push many of us right out of TV altogether, and that would save me a lot of $$$ every month!

2TennisLovers

I, too, am very frustrated with the tennis channel being pulled. Rather an unprofessional thing to do especially during a major match like the U.S. Open. I'm sure it's a PXXXing Contest between Verizon and the Tennis Channel and they're using leverage of disgruntled customers like us to put pressure on the "other" company to get it resolved.

lolagoetz

Hi everyone. Here's what information I have received about this topic.

We appreciate that we have many customers who are tennis fans We have been engaged in good faith negotiations with the Tennis Channel this year to conclude a new carriage agreement. Unfortunately, until we have reached an agreement with TC, during the Open customers will have to rely on ESPN and local CBS affiliate coverage or if they have a 3D-enabled TV, they can watch some of the matches live in 3D on FiOS1 channel 1003.

bobomet

Well BeckyS_VZ - what bothers us most is the GOLF Channel is being handled differently than Tennis Channel, which affects the customers in two ways: 1). we pay far more for programming than do Golf Channel viewers, and 2). because of the costs, there will always be fewer viewers, which is a way of artificially suppressing ratings.

If Verizon were serious about TV in its future business model, it would be doing everything possible to increase the number of viewers on every channel it offers.

steven113

tennis channel is more popular considering that the U.S. open is going on right now. Golf is not as popular in my opinion. remember jst my opinion guys ok.

Tule1

Starting with Sept 4th, Verizon announced by e-mail that they will take off the Tennis Channel. Period. No other explanation is given. I specifically signed up with Verizon for Tennis Channel . If the Tennis Channel or any other Channel for that matter is removed from the package is the 2 yr. contract void ? Can I get out of it w/o penalty ?

Tule

Iwillswitch

I joined the forum to simply state that I will gladly pay the $179 ETF and switch to DirecTV if Tennis Channel is not restored. I do not care about the corporate sabre rattling--I care about tennis. I'll be switching before the end of the month, if it's not restored.

jeanzych

Tennis Channel used to be on one of the basic packages but when I moved to a new house 6 mos ago I was told that I now had to have the ultimate package to get the Tennis Channel. So I paid the higher price for the ultimate only because I wanted the Tennis Channel. I want a credit since I am not getting what I paid for! Verizon and Tennis Channel are using customers as pawns in their contract negotiations, especially with the timing of this caper. I'm sure that doing this right in the middle of the US Open is no accident! Verizon, if you are no longer going to offer a channel that has been offered in the past, it's pretty bad to just pull the plug at midnight and then send an email 10 hours later telling us about it. WE WANT OUR TENNIS CHANNEL BACK!!! If not, for me, at least, it's bye bye ultimate and possibly bye, bye Verizon!

theolivers2007

Bring Back the Tennis channel!!!!!! Its the only reason I have the ultimate package. Without the Tennis channel...byebye ultimate pckg. Verizon get your {word filter avoidance}together and stop {word filter avoidance} around with your customers. We want our Tennis channel back!!!!

noTennisAnyone

File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) -- I just did.

bobomet

Same with me ... I'm getting sick of it all with Verizon. If they prefer the Golf crowd over the tennis people, then so be it. I can have DirecTV and be happy too.

philcraigusa@gmail.com

We too signed up for ultimate package for tennis channel and are incredulous that they would pull this on their customers during us open. I'm sorry, but tennis coverage on espn or USA or wherever else I manage to find it doesn 't come close to level of coverage we get on tennis channel. We too will be happy to pay our penalty and go to directed. Verizon is sorely underestimating the commitment of tennis fans. Please listen to your customers, Verizon.

yardy1

If Verizon does not provide the tennis channel, they will have lost a customer. I will give it some time, but unless this happens quickly, you can say goodbye to me as a customer. I didn't make an issue of losing the Hallmark Movie channel, but this is the last straw.

Sootsnoot1

I don't know whether it was Verizon or Tennis Channel that ultimately controlled the timing, seems likely it was Tennis Channel. But whichever it was, I have to agree it was downright rude. And even assuming it was Tennis Channel, it seems that Verizon's "announcement" of losing the channel after it was already gone sets a new low in keeping customers informed 🙂 And surely for the large number (majority?) of customers who make package commitments based on content, one would hope that Verizon would be under some obligation to inform potential customers of the timing when their commitments with premium providers would be subject to change - doesn't Verizon have some sort of commitment term with its providers just as Verizon customers have with Verizon? How could this come as such a sudden surprise?

Verizon's position that US Open coverage is available on network TV and ESPN just isn't satisfying to the fans who have come to expect tennis channel type of coverage.

philcraigusa@gmail.com

Becky, thank you for your post. Unfortunately, you have failed to address the fact that Verizon has known all along when the contract with The Tennis Channel was set to expire. Had you REALLY been negotiating in good faith, you would have started early enough to achieve a resolution with no interruption in service. Furthermore, Verizon has shown a complete lack of "good faith" in its dealings with us, the customers, by failing to give us any advance notice of the upcoming termination of the channel. Instead you sent an e-mail after the fact, telling us what we already knew: Verizon has pulled the plug on one of our favorite channels, but that we have no recourse other than to pay what is now an outrageous cancellation fee.

zeemango

I had a similar experience with having to pay for the ultimate bundle (I thought that was a shady marketing trick).

I already dropped the ultimate bundle and will start reading the mail that I get from Directv who want me back...

Comcast is also trying to get me back...

I think Verizon should refund something for not providing the service that people paid for.

Unfortunately, customers are stuck with these long contracts with termination fees.

This whole thing looks really bad for Verizon's image...but maybe people knew already not to expect much.

t47

I also have a two year contract with Verizon FIOS. I also have the Ultimate package as I want and need the tennis channel. Although I do like the other channels in the Ultimate package; The bottom line here is that I (we) as as Verizon customers have an obligation to remain a customer of FIOS for the length of the contract.

However, we are not obligated to keep the ultimate package for the length of the contract. We have to keep Verizon's FIOS or pay a penalty BUT we do not have to keep the ultimate package. Regardless of the fact that the line up has been changed.

I'm going to give Verizon and the Tennis Channel a month or two to resolve this issue. However, if by that time the Tennis Channel remains unavailable, I will be downgrading to the Prime HD package. That will save me approx $25.00 per month. Nobody wins in the end but I'm not going to pay for something that I am not receiving.

pdgreensmith

COULD SOMEONE PLEASE TELL WHAT HAPPENED TO THE TENNIS CHANNEL? IS THIS ALL ABOUT $ AGAIN. I NEED TENNIS CHANNEL BACK. I CNNOT BELIEVE IT HAPPENED DURING THE UP OPEN!!!!!!!

LoveFiosWhenWk

VERIZON AND THE TENNIS CHANNEL ARE IN NEGOTIATION. THAT IS WHY TC IS GONE,

LoveFiosWhenWk

I FILED A COMPLAINT AS WELL.

Peter1949

Tennis Channel may be for sale. The owners
Of Tennis Channel include Bain Capital. Andre Agassi
and Pete Sampras.
Bain Capital specializes in take over opportunities.
In order to sell they need the maximum number
of subscribers.
Fios Extreme package tennis channel customers are
Actually being used by Bain Capital as pawns to get Verizon
To put Tennis Channel in the Ultimate package instead of the more
Expensive Extreme Package.
We have cancelled the Extreme package and downgraded
To Ultimate, thus saving $30 a month.
IMO We will not see a resolution of this issue for months.

Ironically we were enjoying Comcast HD Tennis Channel 2 years
Ago when it to was upgraded to their premium package.
We switched to Fios and a year later it was upgrade to Extreme
And now we have no choice but to go back to Comcast if this is not
Resolved in the next several months.

Any comments?

Peter1949

Keyboards

@Peter1949 wrote:

Fios Extreme package tennis channel customers are
Actually being used by Bain Capital as pawns to get Verizon
To put Tennis Channel in the Ultimate package instead of the more
Expensive Extreme Package.
We have cancelled the Extreme package and downgraded
To Ultimate, thus saving $30 a month.

Peter1949

I think you've got your packages mixed up. Ultimate is ABOVE extreme and more costly. I think you meant you downgradedto PRIME.

Tennis channel is trying to get Verizon to move it to the lower tier (hence more subscribers as you indicated) AND ask for more money per subscriber at the same time.

greeny53

Verizon, I hope you are able to get Tennis Channel back because that is a channel I watch most of the time. And if I must, I will change companies. So please, work it out.

TennisFanatic

I have the Ultimate (the highest) package and we lost Tennis Channel, too. Tennis Channel pulled the programming because Verizon wouldn't agree to their terms to include it on lower tiers. Come on, Verizon. Please work this out! Do you listen to your customers?

[Deleted User]

Merged with existing thread

tennis10s

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY NEGIOATIONS WITH THE TENNIS CHANNEL ARE TAKING SO LONG. THE ONLY REASON I SIGNED ON FOR THE TV PLAN I HAVE IS SO I COULD GET THE TENNIS CHANNEL. I CAN HARDLY BELIEVE THIS SITUATION HAPPEND DURING THE US OPEN. i EQUATE THAT TO FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS AND OTHER AMERICAN SPORTS EVENTS OF THIS MAGNATUDE. I ASSUME I WILL BE CREDITED FOR THE DAYS/WEEKS THAT I DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE TENNIS CHANNEL.

THIS IS JUST THE CROWNING BLOW FOR ME. I AM HAVING DIFFICULTY WITH VERIZON BILLING AND CAN'T SEEM TO GET TO ANYONE WITH A REASONABLE EXPLANATION OF MY SITUATION.

I HOPE THIS EMAIL WILL GET SOME ATTENTION AND THAT I WILL BE CONTACTED BY A VERIZON MANAGER OR EVEN BETTER MR. IVAN SEIDENBURG.

annemeyers

I suggest that someone on either side of the table get the tennis channel back to Verizon customers as the tennis channel is currently published as an offering on our FIOS TV schedule and, with or without regulation of cable providers, a lack of offerings currently published is surely something to be legally looked at. Anne Meyers

SOCDJC

Why is the Tennis Channel carried only on the Sports Package and not included with the Extreme HD plan, just like the Golf Channel? We cancelled our Sports Package because the Tennis Channel should not be an extra charge on ExtremeHD, particularly since the Golf Channel is not.

tns

@SOCDJC wrote:
Why is the Tennis Channel carried only on the Sports Package and not included with the Extreme HD plan, just like the Golf Channel? We cancelled our Sports Package because the Tennis Channel should not be an extra charge on ExtremeHD, particularly since the Golf Channel is not.

Up until now Verizon put it in higher tiers because they couldn't justify its cost in lower tiers. They pay per subscriber that gets the channel, whether they actually view it or not. The biggest issue in the new deal is that The Tennis Channel wants to be included in the basic tier and above. Some people say that would push verizon cost up by as much as 20 times the previous cost.

Trombird

I am canceling one of the STB's I have. I have also stopped renting on-demand movies from Verizon. If I can find a better provider I will (Comcast STINKS imho).

Canceling the Tennis Channel during the US Open? Really. How stupid are they?

tns

@Trombird wrote:
I am canceling one of the STB's I have. I have also stopped renting on-demand movies from Verizon. If I can find a better provider I will (Comcast STINKS imho).
Canceling the Tennis Channel during the US Open? Really. How stupid are they?

Planned by and executed by the Tennis Channel not Verizon.

Ram100

Any New status on negotiation with Tennis Channel? Is there an ETA from either party ? Tennis Channel or Verizon ?
This is really frustrating

hercules1

If this doesn't get resolved soon we can simply vote 'with our feet' so to speak. There are lots of great compettive offers in my area. A good one right now is to take phone / internet from a competitor ( great deal ) and get something else for TV, cheaper and with the tennis channel plus...

TennisLover001

how do get Comcast Verizon stinks without Tennis Channel

VirginiaMan

The Australian Open is starting and FiOS subscribers in Virginia and presumably elsewhere have no access to The Tennis Channel apparently due to a contract dispute with Verizon. When will Verizon resume carriage of The Tennis Channel? If there is no scheduled resumption date, will Verizon allow me to cancel my Triple Play service agreement without penalty so that I can obtain The Tennis Channel from another service provider?

VirginiaMan

Why no Tennis Channel? Will Verizon allow me to cancel my service agreement without penalty if there is no scheduled date to resume carriage of the Tennis Channel?

Caps09

A reliable source on another message board said that Tennis Channel will return this week. For now at least, it will be on the same level of service, so if you had it before, you'll get it back. At this point, it appears that Verizon got what they wanted, but there could be provisions in the new carriage agreement calling for wider carriage whenever Verizon creates new packages. In any case, it's good news.

Child Item