But the biggest news in football has not dealt with any player or team but the NFL network, which has yet to be embraced by cable and is now only available by satellite. Fans are so upset, but websites have been dwelling up to maintain fans up to date on the squabbles between cable providers and the network. One of the issues deals with apartments and condominiums that have unique deals with cable providers. These deals are taking away the choice from many consumers who want to switch to a satellite television provider to gather the NFL network (and other choice programming provided by satellite services) .
Some of the arguments posted on the website include that cable companies stifle competition and have double standards. This is one of the “points” made on the website: “Cable has a double standard when it comes to sports channels. Channels they enjoy, like Versus and the Golf Channel are included in the basic lineup. Independent channels like NFL Network glean left out in the icy. This is unfair and anti-consumer. Consumer interest should choose what channels accept carried – not inside deals among cable companies.”
What does the NFL Network provide that has fans begging for it? Here is a sampling:
- cents Eight regular season prime time NFL games on Thursday and Saturday nights
- cents Fifty-two NFL preseason games 98 NFL game replays – five a week each week throughout the season
- cents NFL classic games in their recent broadcast form
- cents Past desirable Bowls in their entirety
- cents Live week-long trim Bowl coverage from the host city
- cents Live week-long Pro Bowl coverage
- cents Live NFL Draft coverage, plus the most extensive access leading up to the draft.
- cents Exclusive live NFL Scouting Combine coverage, the annual job interview process for incoming NFL hopefuls
- cents Exclusive mini-camp and training camp specials
The controversy is not expected to kill soon. As the regular season ends and playoffs initiate, more NFL fans are expected to lobby the Federal Communications Commission about the thunder.
The controversy over the NFL network is honest one more reason that cable subscribers are leaving their providers and ordering satellite TV. For example, DirecTV not only offers the NFL Network, but also offers the network in high definition. They are also the only provider of the NFL Sunday stamp which provides out of market coverage to relocated fans.
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