Report: Comcast clarifies changes to Big Ten Network access

One of the country’s largest cable providers, Comcast, created a stir Thursday afternoon when it was reported that the Big Ten Network had been dropped from its service.

Brendan F. Quinn of The Athletic originally tweeted that a Comcast representative had confirmed the drop, telling him it was an announcement that could be found on the last page of his bill. Quinn’s tweet spread widely among Big Ten fans in disbelief that the carrier would no longer offer the conference’s network.

The conference-wide confusion calmed a bit once Comcast made it clear that the drop would only affect those who do not live in Big Ten states. While this is good news for those who live within the Big Ten footprint, it’s still bad news for alumni and fans who live in other regions of the country. The network currently boasts of reaching more than 60 million homes across the country.

After listening to a commercial for Comcast’s “product enhancements,” I spoke to a representative and, yes, the cable company is dropping The Big Ten Network.

Asked why I wasn’t alerted of the change. Was told it was listed under “Announcements” on the final page of a bill. pic.twitter.com/HdKxhOGsom

— Brendan F. Quinn (@BFQuinn) April 12, 2018

Well, if @comcast is dropping Big Ten Network, I’m dropping Comcast.

— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) April 12, 2018

Reached out to Comcast media relations regarding this Big Ten Network scrap.

Here is official clarification from the corporate office.

“In-market feed of Big Ten Network is still available – and will continue to be available – to our customers in Big Ten states.” pic.twitter.com/q2ncJrbc87

— Brendan F. Quinn (@BFQuinn) April 12, 2018

Seems like a very misguided decision @comcast in the era of cord cutting. Giving customers a reason to find @BigTenNetwork (it is available nationwide) through other providers. https://t.co/q94xFR7VNF

— Ryan Breton (@RyanBretonWX) April 12, 2018