DirecTV signs up SEC Network, final major satellite/cable provider to pick it up

ajc.com

Credit: Rodney Ho

Credit: Rodney Ho

The SEC Network, when it debuts August 14, will be available on all major satellite and cable providers in Atlanta, now that DirecTV has signed on.

The other providers that will carry the new network include AT&T U-verse, Comcast and Dish. Charter is close to finalizing a deal and expects to have the network ready to go soon. UPDATE on Aug. 6: Charter finalized their deal today.

The channel, owned by ESPN, will air its first football game on Thursday, August 28. The first University of Georgia game will air against Troy Sept. 20.

Nationwide, the network will be available in 87 million households, surpassing ESPN's goal of 75 million. DirecTV has about 20 million subscribers.

ESPN last year announced the launch of the SEC Network, leading to the end of Comcast Sports South, which had lost its SEC games and basic reason to exist. CSS died June 1.

The network is scheduled to air 45 football games, 100 men's basketball games, 60 women's basketball games, and 75 baseball games in the upcoming year. Brent Musburger and Jesse Palmer will be lead game announcers for SEC Network football.

ESPN will pocket $1.30 per subscriber per month in SEC markets such as Atlanta.

AT&T U-Verse: Channel 607 and 1607 in high-definition.

DISH Network: Channel 404 with the Hopper digital set-top box or on channels 408, 596 and 597 depending on user equipment.

Comcast Xfinity: Channel 300 and 1738 in high-definition.

Cox Cable: Channel 77 and 1077 in high-definition.

Charter Communications: Expanded Basic and Charter Select channels 30 and 318 in standard definition, and channel 811 in high-definition.

DirecTV: Channel 611

Time Warner Cable: Channels 516, 517, or 518 in standard definition, and channels 79, 80, or 417 80 in high-definition.