Verizon Fios subscribers lose access to Starz channels as carriage talks break down
Executive summary: Starz announced that Verizon Fios customers have lost access to all Starz linear channels, Starz On Demand and the Starz app after negotiations between the parties failed to reach a new carriage agreement. The blackout affects a substantial base of Verizon Fios TV subscribers, potentially driving churn and reducing Starz's distribution revenue, highlighting ongoing tension between telecom distributors and premium content providers.
Who is involved: Starz (content provider), Verizon Communications (through its Fios service), and the affected Fios subscriber base.
Likely next: The parties may resume negotiations to restore service, or Verizon may offer compensatory credits while subscribers consider alternative streaming or TV packages.
Starz issued a statement confirming that all of its linear channels, Starz On Demand and the Starz app are no longer available through Verizon Fios after negotiations between the two companies failed to reach a new carriage agreement. The blackout affects Verizon Fios TV subscribers and removes a significant distribution outlet for Starz, underscoring the recurring tension between telecom operators and premium content providers over renewal terms. No details on the financial or temporal aspects of the dispute were disclosed in the statement.
What's next — scenarios
Short-term blackout, deal within 60 days (60%)
Starz distribution disruption is temporary; Fios subscribers regain access after a modest rate increase or packaging change, limiting churn for both parties.
- Verizon and Starz announce a new carriage agreement within 60 days
- Starz channels reappear on Fios channel guide without major public concessions
- Both companies issue joint statement confirming restored service
Prolonged blackout, Starz pivots to direct-to-consumer (25%)
Starz accelerates its streaming strategy, accepting Fios subscriber losses while pushing users to the Starz app independently, reducing reliance on legacy pay-TV bundles.
- No deal announced after 90 days
- Starz launches a promotional offer for former Fios subscribers to join the Starz app directly
- Verizon replaces Starz with another premium network or streaming bundle
Verizon wins on terms, Starz loses leverage (15%)
Verizon secures a lower per-subscriber fee or drops Starz from lower-tier packages, shrinking Starz's linear reach and forcing it to accept less favorable economics in future renewals.
- Verizon announces Starz is now an add-on premium tier, not included in standard plans
- Starz publicly criticizes Verizon's demands in a regulatory filing or press release
- Analyst reports indicate Verizon did not raise Fios prices after the renewal
What to watch
- Verizon Fios subscriber churn data for Q2 2025 (reported late July)
- Starz parent company Lionsgate's quarterly earnings call (August 2025) for commentary on distribution losses
- Public statements from either company about negotiation status within 30 days
- Any FCC or industry trade press coverage of similar carriage disputes in the next 60 days
- Starz app download or signup trends in the 30 days following the blackout
Timeline
- — VERIZON FIOS CUSTOMERS HAVE LOST ACCESS TO STARZ (PR Newswire)
Analysis — what this means
Sectors affected
- Telecommunications (Verizon Fios)
- Media & Entertainment (Starz)
Historical parallels
- Verizon Fios customers may lose Starz (Sept 30 2026) – earlier notice of potential blackout
Key entities
Sources
- VERIZON FIOS CUSTOMERS HAVE LOST ACCESS TO STARZ — PR Newswire