ESPN sues Verizon over tiered subscription service

ESPN is suing Verizon
(Image credit: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for ESPN)

ESPN on Monday filed suit against Verizon, alleging the communications giant violated its contract with the network by offering customers smaller, categorized subscription packages.

"We simply ask that Verizon abide by the terms of our contracts," ESPN said in a statement.

In a bid to lure cord-cutters and others interested in cheaper cable deals, Verizon debuted custom subscription plans this month that allow customers to purchase channels in genre-specific tiers, such as sports, entertainment, and kids. "Consumers have spoken loud and clear that they want choice, and the industry should be focused on giving consumers what they want," a Verizon spokesperson said in response to the suit, adding the company was "well within our rights under our agreements."

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Continue reading for free

We hope you're enjoying The Week's refreshingly open-minded journalism.

Subscribed to The Week? Register your account with the same email as your subscription.