FAQ: SEC Network Guide for Razorback Fans

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – This week, the SEC Network reached an agreement with DISH Network, to provide nationwide coverage of the SEC Network when the multiplatform outlet launches on Aug. 14. DISH is the first nationwide television provider to announce it will be carrying the SEC Network. DISH joins AT&T U-Verse and the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative as satellite and cable providers of the new network.

Negotiations continue with various other satellite and cable providers throughout the nation. To help ensure your cable or satellite provider knows that you would like to get the SEC Network, visit GetSECNetwork.com today. Register and help send the message that Razorback fans want the SEC Network in time for its launch in August.

So what will the SEC Network mean for Razorback Fans? How will it change the way fans can watch their favorite Razorback teams?

Below are a few of the most frequently asked questions about the SEC Network and how it will affect Razorback fans.

When is the launch of the SEC Network?

Aug. 14, 2014

What programming will be on the SEC Network?

The SEC Network and its accompanying digital platform will air more than 1,000 live events in its first year, including at least 45 exclusive SEC football games, more than 100 men’s basketball games, 60 women’s basketball games, 75 baseball games, 50 softball games and events across all of the SEC’s 21 sports. The network will be an all-access pass to nationally competitive events, news and information, expert analysis, classic games and in-depth features on the most storied conference in college athletics. Detailed broadcast schedules will be announced later in 2014.

Where can I see the SEC Network?

Currently DISH, AT&T U-Verse and the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative have announced that they will carry the SEC Network. ESPN is working hard to ensure that the network will be available via cable, satellite and telco distributors (such as Comcast, Time Warner Cable, DirecTV, Verizon FiOS, along with the many cable operators in Arkansas). ESPN will continue negotiating with the other distributors in the coming months and as the new deals are reached we will share that information on ArkansasRazorbacks.com.  

DISH Network Corp. (NASDAQ: DISH), through its subsidiary DISH Network LLC, provides approximately 14 million satellite TV customers, as of Sept. 30, 2013, with the highest quality programming and technology with the most choices at the best value, including HD Free for Life. Subscribers enjoy the largest high-definition line-up with more than 200 national HD channels, the most international channels, and award-winning HD and DVR technology. DISH Network Corporation is a Fortune 200 company. Visit dish.com.

AT&T U-verse is the fastest growing TV provider in the U.S. with a $13 billion annualized revenue stream in less than seven years since its initial launch in 2006. Geographic and service restrictions apply to AT&T U-verse services. For more information on AT&T U-verse — or to find out if it’s available in your area — visit att.com/u-verse.

What programming will be broadcast online and where will it be available?

The SEC Network will provide more than 450 live games on television each year. An additional 550 games will be distributed digitally on the SEC Network Digital platform. These outlets will provide more in-depth content to fans across the country than ever before.  Fans will be able to access content on a range of devices.

Will I be able to watch the SEC Network on my mobile phone or similar device?

Yes. Provided you are a subscriber of an affiliated provider (a cable, satellite or telco partner), the SEC Network will be available on computers, tablets, mobile phones and other consumer devices like Xbox. The aim is to make this content available to fans anytime, anywhere, similar to how the WatchESPN application works today.

If I am not a DISH, AT&T U-Verse or subscriber to a cable or satellite provider that carries the SEC Network, will I be able to purchase access to the SEC Network online?

No. Only subscribers to cable and satellite providers that are carrying the SEC Network will have access to online programming. The SEC Network will not be able for purchase independently. So, if you are not a customer of a provider who is carrying the network you will not have access to SEC Network programming. If you are a customer, you will have access to all programming via broadcast and online platforms.

The live broadcasts of games (television and Web) will be exclusive to the SEC Network and its digital extensions. However, once a subscriber has access to the network via an affiliated provider, that subscriber will have access to the content on computers, tablets, mobile phones and other consumer devices like Xbox, Apple TV, etc. The aim is to make this content available to fans anytime, anywhere.

What can I do to let my television provider know that I want to see the SEC Network?

Your cable, satellite, or telco provider makes programming decisions based on customer requests. As a fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and the SEC, the Razorbacks need you to please demonstrate your interest in the SEC Network by visiting GetSECNetwork.com and calling your cable, satellite or telco provider and making a direct request for your provider to carry the SEC Network.

Will games still be shown by networks outside of the SEC Network and the ESPN family of networks?

The Southeastern Conference will continue its television partnership with CBS Sports for selected games. In addition for 2014-15, the regional networks of Fox Sports (i.e. Fox Sports South, Fox Sports Southwest) will also have SEC programming, but that will be for one year only. Beginning in 2015-16, only CBS, the various ESPN platforms and the SEC Network will continue as television partners of the Southeastern Conference.

Beginning in 2014-15, games will no longer be shown on local stations through the television affiliates used previously as part of the SEC syndicated packages (KHOG, KATV, KAIT etc.) or the Razorback Sports Network. In addition, games will no longer appear on regional carriers like Cox Sports Television (CST) and Comcast Sports Southeast (CSS).

Will there continue to be games available via Institutional Pay-Per-View?

No. Previous institutional pay-per-view games will not be a part of the SEC Network or institutional programming.

Will any game videos be available via RazorVision/Razorback Sports Network?

No television broadcasts or online video streams of live games will be available via  ArkansasRazorbacks.com or as part of the Razorback Sports Network. Beginning in August 2014, all game broadcasts and video streams will be part of the SEC Network. Audio broadcasts of Razorback sporting events will still be available through the official digital platforms of Razorback Athletics and through affiliates of the Razorback Sports Network. More information on this service will be available later this spring.

What will be available on RazorVision/Razorback Sports Network in 2014-15?

All of the official digital platforms produced by Razorback Athletics will be totally revamped for 2014-15, including the official athletics web site, ArkansasRazorbacks.com and all mobile apps across iOS and Droid platforms. In addition to live audio broadcasts of Razorback events, Razorback Athletics will debut an all new lineup of features, produced in high quality HD format, starting in August 2014, including interviews, features, press conferences, plus original long and short form programming featuring all 19 Razorback teams.

Will University of Arkansas coaches’ shows be shown on the SEC Network?

No, coaches’ shows will not be a part of the SEC Network. All Razorback Sports Network coaches shows, produced by IMG, will be continue to be distributed through local television affiliates as they have been in the past.

For more information on Razorback Athletics, follow @ArkRazorbacks on Twitter.