Verizon Fios Customers Lose Starz After Deal Expires

Verizon Fios customers lost access to Starz channels, Starz On Demand and the Starz app through the service after Starz and Verizon failed to renew their distribution agreement, according to reports published October 1. The blackout followed the expiration of the previous licensing deal at midnight, leaving customers without Starz through their Fios subscriptions. A separate Starz streaming subscription remains available and is not affected by the dispute, reports said. The companies have offered conflicting accounts of who was responsible for the removal and why talks failed. Starz Networks President Alison Hoffman said Verizon chose to remove the channels after the parties did not reach a renewal agreement. She accused Verizon of mischaracterizing Starz’s position and being unwilling to negotiate, while saying Starz had made extensive efforts to preserve uninterrupted service. Verizon, in turn, said Starz chose to remove its premium channels from the Fios lineup. The company alleged that Starz sought higher carriage fees that would increase costs for customers and said it remained open to a resolution.