Verizon Adds First Cantonese Channel and New Korean Channel to FiOS TV

NEW YORK, April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon is expanding FiOS TV's international content offering with the launch of two new channels: Cantonese channel TVBe and Korean channel SBS.  They join FiOS TV's extensive channel lineup, which includes nearly 40 international channels covering more than 20 languages, in addition to 27 of the most popular Spanish-language channels – a collection that cable can't match.

"We strive to offer a diverse selection of international channels that provides FiOS TV customers with programming in a variety of languages," said Terry Denson, vice president of content strategy and acquisition for Verizon.  "With the introduction of our first Cantonese channel and the newest Korean channel, we expand our already-extensive international offering and continue to make FiOS TV the ultimate home-entertainment experience."

The two new international channels are already available in many FiOS TV markets, and will be accessible in all regions by next week.  TVBe (Channel 1798), FiOS TV's first Cantonese-language channel, offers up-to-the-minute entertainment news reports, a TVBN same-day news feed, themed-dramas and more.  The channel is available for $16.99 per month.  In addition to TVBe, FiOS TV also offers a Mandarin TV package for $15.99 per month that includes the following channels: Phoenix North America (Channel 1797), CCTV4 (Channel 1795) and CTI (Channel 1796).

SBS (Channel 1762) is the No. 1 Korean general entertainment channel, showcasing a wide range of South Korean programming including dramas, news, music-variety, animation, movies and TV series.  SBS (Seoul Broadcasting Corp.) joins YTN (Channel 1761) and MBC (Channel 1760) in a Korean package that is available for $24.99 per month.

Customers who already subscribe to FiOS TV's Korean package will automatically receive the new channel.  To purchase the Korean package or TVBe, customers can use Verizon's unique on-screen ordering.  Just click on one of the channels, confirm with the FiOS TV remote control, and begin watching your favorite programming in a matter of minutes.  

In select areas, new customers can enjoy FiOS TV's Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) or Korean TV packages free for six months when they order Verizon's triple-play bundled package.  Starting at $99.99 per month with a price guarantee for 24 months, the package features FiOS TV Prime HD, FiOS Internet with speeds up to 15 Mbps (megabits per second) downstream and 5 Mbps upstream, and unlimited nationwide calling.  All customers who use self-service ordering tools and sign up for any of Verizon's consumer bundled packages online at the in-language websites www.verizon.com/chinese or www.verizon.com/korean (for English: www.verizon.com/bundles) will receive an additional discount of $5 a month for the same 24-month plan, for a total of $120 in additional savings.

Verizon's FiOS TV service offers a broad collection of programming, with more than 565 all-digital channels, including up to 140 in high definition.  FiOS also provides next-generation interactive services including an advanced interactive media guide; social TV, news and entertainment widgets; remote DVR management; multi-room DVR, and more. 

For the latest news, updates and information about FiOS TV, visit www.verizon.com/newscenter and http://www.verizon.com/athomeblog.

For customer service support in Chinese (Cantonese or Mandarin) call 1-877-576-7015.  For customer service support in Korean call 1-877-729-7015.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 93 million customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 217,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high-quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at www.verizon.com/news.  To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.

SOURCE Verizon