Verizon FiOS and Longhorn Network Launch New Online Service

AUSTIN, Texas and NEW YORK, Nov. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon has launched a live online simulcast of the Longhorn Network – the 24/7 channel devoted to athletic programming and related activities at the University of Texas – and is making it available to Verizon FiOS TV customers across the country. Verizon FiOS is the first provider to launch the online broadband companion of the Longhorn Network.

FiOS TV customers who receive Longhorn Network as part of their video subscription service will be able to enjoy the network's exclusive live events and content on their laptops or personal computers, at home or away, using any broadband connection.  With their Verizon Online user names and passwords, FiOS customers can access a live stream of the network online at either www.verizon.com/fiostvonline or LonghornNetwork.com.

"No question, Texas Longhorn fans are some of the most enthusiastic in college sports, and we're providing another option to catch the latest developments on the field – anywhere, anytime," said Terry Denson, vice president, global strategy for Verizon. "This enhancement builds on Verizon's commitment to bring the best in sports and entertainment and overall video content to our customers."

David Preschlack, executive vice president, Disney and ESPN Media Networks, added, "With this launch, Verizon FiOS customers will be able to watch UT content from the convenience of their PC.  It's a great new way for students, alumni and UT fans everywhere to access Longhorn Network round-the-clock."

Upcoming programming highlights include a robust slate of men's and women's basketball games; the nationally ranked women's volleyball program; and content-rich studio and original programming such as "Longhorn Extra," "Game Plan with Mack Brown," "Texas All-Access," as well as "Texas GameDay" and "Texas GameDay Final."  Verizon FiOS and Longhorn Network expect to extend online streaming to tablets and smartphones sometime next year.

This new content joins Verizon's high-quality, online video entertainment, which the company has been delivering since 2005.  FiOS also offers a broad collection of programming on TV, with more than 540 all-digital channels including more than 130 HD channels and 30,000 monthly video-on-demand titles.  FiOS also provides next-generation interactive services based on a long series of innovations, including Flex View and FiOS TV Online, which extend FiOS TV beyond the home to the Internet and a range of mobile devices; an advanced interactive media guide; free interactive applications like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and others; Media Manager, which allows customers to access on their TVs personal photos, music and videos from their computers; and more.

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

Consumers can obtain more information on the FiOS TV plans available in their area by visiting www.verizon.com/fiostv or calling 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966).

About Longhorn Network

ESPN has a 20-year agreement to own and operate a year-round, 24-hour network dedicated to the University of Texas in partnership with UT and IMG College.  Longhorn Network will offer a variety of content, highlighted by more than 200 exclusive events annually from 20 sports, original series and studio shows, historical programming and academic and cultural happenings. Additionally, the LonghornNetwork.com broadband companion to the TV network will offer extensive content, particularly live games not carried on the linear TV network due to scheduling conflicts.

About Verizon

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 consumer, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with more than 107 million total connections nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries, including all of the Fortune 500.  A Dow 30 company with $106.6 billion in 2010 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 195,000.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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SOURCE Verizon