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Verizon Fios’s FOX blackout left fans unable to watch Patriots game
With negotiations ongoing, viewers are turning to alternative streaming options.
PREVIOUSLY:
A contract dispute between Verizon Fios and Cox Media Group left many Patriots fans unable to watch Sunday’s game against the Jets, prompting viewers to seek alternative, sometimes costly, streaming options.
Now customers want to know whether Verizon Fios and Cox will resolve the blackout before Sunday’s matchup — or if they’ll have to find another way to watch their teams again.
The contract dispute between Verizon Fios and Cox Media Group, which cut off some FOX and NBC programming for Fios customers in Boston, Providence, and Pittsburgh, began on Dec. 15.
Customers in Boston and Providence lost access to WFXT or the FOX, Charge!, and Laff channels, while those in Pittsburgh lost access to WPXI channels, including NBC, meTV, Laff, and Pittsburgh Cable News Channel.
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Fox has the exclusive broadcasting rights to the Patriots’ games.
The two companies have blamed each other since the contract ended.
“Make no mistake: Cox is demanding double-digit price hikes, exorbitant terms that would directly drive up monthly bills for the families we serve,” a Verizon spokesperson said on Monday evening. “We refuse to agree to requests that are unjust and unreasonable.”
“We will not back down from protecting our customers’ wallets,” the spokesperson continued. “We appreciate our customers’ patience as we fight to keep their prices and restore the content they deserve.”
But Cox Media Group, in a previous release, said Verizon Fios dropped Boston 25 from its lineup after refusing multiple offers to extend negotiations.
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“Verizon/Fios should stop holding its own customers hostage in its attempts to harm local journalism and community service, all while it tries to get even larger, at the expense of our loyal viewers,” said Todd Brown, vice president and general manager at Boston 25, in a statement.
Cox Media Group did not respond to a request for additional comment on Monday.
Meanwhile, people online have apparently become adept at streaming game day affordably.
Some fans tried free streaming trials on Sunday, like YouTube TV’s five-day option or Hulu Live’s three-day trial, hoping the companies would resolve the Verizon-Cox dispute before next weekend. Other streaming services with live sports options include Fox One, Amazon Prime, Paramount+, and Peacock.
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Some opted to pay for a digital antenna to pick up local channels, while others decided to switch their provider entirely.
One popular tip online was the free LocalTV+ app, which lets users stream Boston-area channels on their mobile devices and AirPlay them to their TVs.
Either way, it appears negotiations may still not be resolved over the New Year’s break, as Boston 25 News still has banners asking viewers to call Verizon Fios to get them back on the air.
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How did you watch the game Sunday (or how will you watch it next Sunday) if WFXT isn’t an option? Fill out the poll below, or email [email protected], and we may use your response in a future article.
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