Longhorn Network announces small carriers

Published Aug. 26, 2011 10:08 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Longhorn Network has announced several new distributors for the new service launching Friday.

Texas-based carriers Consolidated Communications, Bay City Cablevision, Mid-Coast Cablevision and Texas Mid-Gulf Cablevision will all have the network starting Friday night. Verizon, En-Touch Systems and E-Tex Communications will have the channel starting Sept. 1.

Texas and ESPN announced a $300-million, 20-year deal in January to create and launch the Longhorn Network, a 24-hour channel dedicated to Longhorns sports. The network will broadcast the Texas football season-opener Sept. 3 against Rice.