- Verizon users in Boston can’t access several important channels
- It is the result of a contractual dispute that has not yet been resolved.
- Now, Verizon has issued a $10.99 refund to affected customers
Normally, you’d like to think that your TV service is more or less reliable; After all, if you pay for channels, you expect to be able to watch them. However, that’s not the case for thousands of Verizon customers in Boston, and after a month of channel blackouts, they are finally being issued a refund.
The problems began on December 15, 2025, when a dispute broke out between Verizon Fios and Cox Media Group, which offered some channels for Verizon users. After the contract between the two companies expired, they were unable to agree on a new deal, which meant access to some Fox and NBC programming was stopped. The result was that Verizon customers missed much of the programming, including NFL broadcasts, among other things.
Affected channels vary by city, but include WFXT (FOX, Charge!, Laff) in Boston, MA and Providence, RI. In Pittsburgh, PA, WPXI (NBC, MeTV, Laff, Pittsburgh Cable News Channel) is not available.
In an extraordinary statement to its users (via Boston.com), Verizon said it “has exhausted all options to get Cox to act cleanly on behalf of our customers.” Both sides blame each other: Verizon says Cox is asking for too much money, while Cox says Verizon has rejected multiple offers from the company.
As a result, Verizon is issuing $10.99 in credit to each user “to show affected customers we have their back.” Boston.com reports that this is intended to “cover the costs of other platforms and services, where content from blocked channels is available.” If you’re eligible for the rebate, Verizon will contact you this week to let you know how to redeem the offer.
No resolution in sight
There’s no doubt this is a painful move for Verizon. Not only does it have to disburse credit to a large number of affected customers, but it is still unable to resolve the dispute at the heart of this ongoing matter. That’s a bad look for any television provider.
But it’s an even more painful situation for Boston-based Verizon customers, who have missed some key television moments since the blackout went into effect, including the New England Patriots’ run to the Super Bowl.
That game will take place on February 8, and the team’s home fans are hoping Verizon can resolve the dispute before then. Otherwise, they will have to find other ways to watch the game.
With no resolution in sight, it is unknown how much longer Bostonians will remain locked out of the affected television channels. If you’re affected and want to know how you can watch the Super Bowl, our guide has you covered.
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