Comcast FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions - BTN, Comcast

Comcast customers: to find what channel the Big Ten Network will be on in your area, enter your zip code below. This information is provided by Comcast.

Updated August 15, 2008

Big Ten Network/Comcast Fast Facts

Comcast launched the Big Ten Network on August 15, 2008, and offers the network in both standard and high definition. Big Ten Network On Demand is scheduled to launch on August 28, 2008.
Inside Big Ten states with Comcast customers (Comcast does not serve Iowa), Big Ten Network launched on the expanded basic level of service.
In Philadelphia, the network launched on Comcast's "digital classic" level of service, to which the vast majority of the company's Philadelphia customers already subscribe.
Beginning Spring 2009, Comcast may move the channel to a digital level of service in certain systems only if the vast majority of its customers already subscribe to that level of service. The decision on whether to move the channel would be made by each system.
Comcast does not carry the network on its Sports Entertainment Package inside the eight states.
Outside Big Ten states, Comcast may carry the network on any level of service, including its Sports Entertainment Package. To find out if Comcast has made the Big Ten Network available in your area, call your local Comcast office.
All Big Ten Network football games are available to Comcast to place on "overflow" channels. Comcast determines how to offer those games. Check your on-screen program guide or visit www.BigTenNetwork.com throughout the season to get channel assignments for specific games. You may also call your local Comcast office.
The agreement between the network and Comcast was the result of the flexibility and commitment on both sides to get a deal done.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I live within the Big Ten's eight states. What is my Big Ten Network channel number?

A: Channel numbers vary by Comcast system and level of service customers receive. Comcast subscribers within the Big Ten's eight-state footprint can find their Big Ten Network channel number by using the ChannelFinder tool located at the top of this page. Fans can enter their zip code and select their provider to determine their local channel assignment.

Q: I live outside of the Big Ten's eight states. What is my Big Ten Network channel number?

A: Subscribers outside of the eight-state footprint should contact their local Comcast office. However, we are in the process of updating our ChannelFinder at the top of this page as Comcast provides us channel assignment information for outside the eight states.

Q: Last season, DIRECTV and DISH Network both offered "overflow" channels so that Big Ten fans could watch football games that may not have been carried on the Big Ten Network's main feed. Does Comcast have overflow channels?

A: All the football games that the Big Ten Network produces are available to Comcast. Decisions about how to offer those games are made by each system, but Comcast has indicated that they do plan on carrying "overflow" games throughout much of the Big Ten footprint.

Q: Where is the Big Ten Network be placed inside the eight Big Ten states and do I have to pay extra for it?

A: Inside the eight states, Comcast offers the network on its expanded basic level of service, so you do not have to pay more for it if you are a Comcast subscriber and already have this level of service. Nevertheless, pricing decisions are up to Comcast.

Q: What happens to the Big Ten Network in Spring 2009?

A: Beginning in spring 2009, Comcast may move the channel to a digital level of service in certain systems only if the vast majority of its customers already subscribe to that level of service. Comcast is a market leader digital products, so the network felt comfortable that the vast majority of subscribers would still be able to receive the network without having to pay extra for it.

Q: I live in Philadelphia. What do I have to do to get the network?

A: The network is available on Comcast's ""digital classic"" level of service. If you are a Comcast customer and already subscribe at this level, then you do not have to do anything. If you subscribe to Comcast's expanded basic level of service, you have to upgrade to digital service. Also, you must subscribe to a digital level of service to receive the network in high definition and to view Big Ten Network video-on-demand.

Q: How long is the agreement with Comcast?

A: The Big Ten Network and Comcast have agreed to a long-term contract. We anticipate that the Big Ten Network will become Comcast subscribers' number one source for Big Ten news, interviews, analysis, games and more.