Pac-12 Networks, U-Verse reach agreement

The Pac-12 Network has landed another big carrier, as AT&T U-Verse agreed to carry the network early this morning. The channels should be live for everyone who has the service. U-Verse is one of the largest teleco carriers in the nation, with over 4.5 million subscribers settled in for watching the network.

For those wondering about the channels, they are

· Pac-12 Network on channel 759 SD/1759 HD

· Pac-12 Bay Area on channel 760 SD/1760 HD

· Pac-12 Los Angeles on channel 761 SD/1761 HD

Now the big question comes with DirecTV, and whether the satellite carrier will be ready to come to the table now that U-Verse is up. DirecTV resisted the initial offer of the Pac-12 Networks and they have resisted any offers to deal even when Dish signed up. With another big carrier on board, will the satellite carrier begin to consider bargaining again?

Here is the press release.

DALLAS, TEXAS (SEPT. 7, 2013) - AT&T* and the Pac-12 Conference are teaming up to benefit sports fans, students and schools of the collegiate athletic conference. Under an agreement reached today, AT&T will carry three Pac-12 television networks and be the exclusive wireless provider for Pac-12 athletic venues.

U-verse TV subscribers across the country will have access to the more than 700 remaining live Pac-12 events of the 2013-14 season on Pac-12 Networks. This includes 31 football games, 250 men's and women's basketball games and hundreds of other sports, including baseball, soccer, gymnastics and more. Starting next year, Pac-12 Networks will increase its coverage to 850 events.

Also under the agreement, AT&T will provide the Pac-12 with a full package of wireless and wireline communications services, from high speed Internet access to network integration. The sponsorship agreement also includes marketing rights at all athletic events including Pac-12 championships.

"Having the nation's fastest and now most reliable wireless network and a new national distributor in our corner is a big win for the Pac-12 and Pac-12 Networks," said Larry Scott, Pac-12 commissioner. "Together with AT&T, we'll be able to give our Pac-12 fans the best, possible experience, and meet the fans' ever-growing demand for Pac-12 content across all platforms."

The Pac-12 upholds a proud tradition as the "Conference of Champions ®," claiming an incredible 127 NCAA team titles since 1999-2000, including eight in 2012-13. Conference teams hold a total of 459 titles - 309 men's and 150 women's - which far surpasses any other collegiate conference.

"This deal provides a great value for our U-verse customers, who benefit from a terrific package of sporting events," said Aaron Slator, President, Content & Advertising, AT&T.

"Pac-12 Networks is thrilled to join AT&T U-verse's line-up," said Pac-12 Networks President Lydia Murphy-Stephans. "Pac-12 fans nationwide now have another great option to access an unprecedented number of live quality Pac-12 sporting events, live interviews, studio shows, and other feature content."

Added Chris Roy, Vice President, Government and Education, AT&T: "We are thrilled to become a technology provider and the exclusive wireless sponsor for such a storied Conference with a rich history of academic excellence and superior athletic achievement. Together with the Conference and the 12 universities, we look forward to redefining the experience for students, alumni and fans attending Pac-12 athletic events."

Students at member Pac-12 schools will benefit from extra savings with AT&T's wireless discount program. More details are available atwww.wireless.att.com/college.

The Pac-12 TV network channels will go live today. In addition to the live events, Pac-12 Networks continues to add original programming that promises to deliver the most complete coverage of Pac-12 sports, including:

· The Drive: Pac-12 Football - a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to compete and succeed at the highest level. The series features the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Cal Golden Bears.

· Pac-12 Football Weekly - a year-round program on Pac-12 football, from training camp, to bowl games, to the professional draft, and everything in between.

· Pac-12 Sports Report - a flagship studio show that provides expert analysis, commentary and feature stories on some of the outstanding teams and individuals in the Pac-12 Conference.

Under the agreement, AT&T U-verse will carry the following Pac-12 networks in standard definition and high definition:

· Pac-12 Network on channel 759 SD/1759 HD

· Pac-12 Bay Area on channel 760 SD/1760 HD

· Pac-12 Los Angeles on channel 761 SD/1761 HD

As part of the agreement, later this academic year, AT&T U-verse TV subscribers will receive broad access to existing authenticated products made available by the Pac-12 Networks as well as AT&T's U-verse.com site (uverseonline.att.net) and apps. These products will give AT&T U-verse TV subscribers more opportunities to access live and on-demand content, at home and away from home, on their computers, smartphones and tablets.

For a complete schedule of upcoming football games, please go tohttp://pac-12.com/schedule/week/35/2013?sport=football

AT&T U-verse TV is the fastest growing TV provider in the U.S.*** and U-verse is a nearly $12 billion annualized revenue stream in only seven years since its initial launch in 2006. AT&T U-verse TV was recently named Frost & Sullivan Video Company of the Year. For additional information on AT&T U-verse - or to find out if it's available in your area - visit www.att.com/u-verse.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

** Speed claim based on comparison of national carriers' average 4G LTE download speeds. Reliability claim compares data transfer completion rates on nationwide 4G LTE networks. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. 4G LTE not available everywhere.

***Claim based on comparison of major TV providers' subscriber counts as of 1Q2013