NRTC Expands High-Definition Programming Offering

TelcoVideo Service Now Includes 100 HD Channels

*PRESS RELEASE*
For Immediate Release
DATE:  November 11, 2010

NRTC Contact:
Chris Martin
703-787-7288
cmartin@nrtc.coop

November 11, 2010 [Herndon, VA] — The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) announced today that, following the execution of several distribution agreements, it now offers its rural telco members access to 100 high-definition (HD) channels through the TelcoVideo programming offering. The addition of eight HD channels, including Big Ten Network HD, Fox Soccer Channel HD, FX HD, Speed HD, Nat Geo Wild HD, Fox Soccer Plus HD, MSNBC-HD, NFL Network HD and NFL RedZone HD bring NRTC’s HD channel count to 100.

“We want to give our telco members the programming choices they need , so it’s important that we support advanced services, like HD, in the  TelcoVideo contract portfolio offering,” said NRTC Interim President and Chief Executive Officer Jack Harvey. “The availability of 100 HD channels allows our members to build an HD channel lineup that’s competitive in their local markets.” 
In recent weeks, NRTC has announced several enhancements to its TelcoVideo offering, including the addition of retransmission consent advisory services and additional sports programming.

“We’ve been listening very intently to the concerns of our telco membership, and we work hard every day to make TelcoVideo the most complete video offering we can,” said NRTC Vice President of Video Services Madeleine Forrer. “When we saw our members struggling to negotiate difficult retransmission agreements, we stepped in to help. When we saw a market opportunity for more sports programming, we delivered it. Expanding our HD channel count is just one more way that we’re responding to the needs of our membership.”

NRTC’s TelcoVideo offering gives telcos access to hundreds of video and audio channels. With the powerful programming available through TelcoVideo, telcos can customize programming packages to appeal to a wide range of customers—from residential subscribers to commercial accounts. Packages are also divided into white-labeled, highly marketable tiers, including the HD, Hispanic and Variety Tiers. Premium channel packages, including HBO, Cinemax, Starz, Encore, Showtime and The Movie Channel complete this robust offering.  


About NRTC
The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) represents the advanced telecommunications and information technology interests of more than 1,500 rural utilities and affiliates in 48 states.  Founded in 1986, NRTC provides products and services developed specifically to meet the needs of rural utilities and their customers, such as high-speed Internet access via satellite, full service Internet access and support, advanced metering infrastructure, wireless technologies, power quality products, long distance programs, mobile phone service, IP backbone services, direct broadcast satellite service (DBS) with DIRECTV and programming distribution rights for video providers. For more information, visit www.nrtc.coop .

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