Updated: SEC Network, Verizon FiOS agree to deal

Updated on Aug. 26 at 2:30 p.m.

Just one week old, the SEC Network will soon be available in approximately 60 million homes after coming to terms on a carriage agreement with Verizon FiOS, according to a Thursday report in the SportsBusiness Journal.

Already available on AT&T U-Verse, DirecTV, DISH Network, Google Fiber, Cox Communications, Comcast/Xfinity, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks, SEC Network now has contracts signed with nine of the top 10 cable distributors across the nation with Verizon FiOS the latest added to the fold.

SBJ reports that “the channel will be on an expanded basic tier within SEC territory” though “it is not clear where Verizon will carry it outside of SEC territory.” All subscribers will also have authenticated access to WatchESPN.com and SEC Network +.

The Verizon deal is big for SEC fans in Florida and Texas, the two SEC states where FiOS television service is currently offered.

The only top 10 cable distributor without an SEC Network deal is the New York-based Cablevision, which does not provide service to any SEC territories.

Now every major cable operator (including Bright House Networks) and both satellite providers that service Florida will give customers access to the SEC Network. Verizon FiOS is currently available in Sarasota, St. Petersburg and Tampa.

UPDATE: The SEC Network and Verizon FiOS jointly announced the agreement on Tuesday, Aug. 26, noting that the channel should be on the air before its first college football game is telecast Thursday evening.

It will be found on channels 75 and 575, making the SEC Network available in 62 million households nationwide.