NBCUniversal, Walt Disney Co. and 21st Century Fox officials are vocalizing their opposition to Verizon's newest FiOS television service, which provides lower-priced and customizable packages for customers.
The company's "channel packs," which are separated according to viewership age and interest, have been subject to criticism by Verizon's industry rivals.
"We reject Verizon's view that it can pursue the new packaging scheme it announced yet still comply with our agreements," Fox officials said in a statement, according to the Los Angeles Times.
"Verizon's announced 'Custom TV' package does not comply with our existing agreement," NBCUniversal officials added.
The leadership of Walt Disney Co., which owns the popular sports network ESPN, is also opposed to the FiOS television service because of their own agreement with Verizon over sports broadcasting. Verizon's children's "channel pack" has also been criticized by Walt Disney Co.
Given that cable programming fees account for most of the revenue coming in for media giants like NBCUniversal, Walt Disney Co. and Fox, Verizon's FiOS television service will likely continue to encounter resistance.
However, Verizon officials have stated the company is not in violation of any legislation related to their "channel packs."
"As far as we are concerned, there is no dispute," a Verizon spokeswoman said late Tuesday, the Los Angeles Times also reports.
"We believe we are allowed to offer consumers and small businesses this choice and flexibility under our existing contracts."
Verizon Communications was founded as Bell Atlantic Corporation in 1983 and later renamed in 2000.
