Verizon issues rare refund to Boston users who are locked out of key TV channels to show that 'we have their back'

Date:
Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:56:38 +0000

Description:
Verizon customers in Boston have been given refunds as major TV channels continue to be unavailable.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Verizon users in Boston are locked out of several big channels Its the result of a contract dispute thats still unresolved Now, Verizon has issued a $10.99 refund to affected customers

Normally, youd like to think that your TV service is more or less reliable after all, if youre paying for channels, you expect to be able to watch them. Yet thats proved to be anything but the case for thousands of Verizon customers in Boston and after a month of channel blackouts, theyre finally being issued a refund.

The problems started on December 15, 2025, when a dispute erupted between Verizon Fios and Cox Media Group, which carried some channels for Verizon users. After the contract between the two companies expired, they were unable to reach an agreement on a new deal, meaning access to some programming from Fox and NBC was halted. The result was that Verizon customers missed out on swaths of programming, including NFL broadcasts, among other things.

The affected channels vary by city, but they include WFXT (FOX, Charge!,
Laff) in Boston, MA and Providence, RI. In Pittsburgh, PA, WPXI (NBC, MeTV, Laff, Pittsburgh Cable News Channel) is unavailable.

In an extraordinary statement to its users (via Boston.com ), Verizon said that it has exhausted all options to get Cox to play fair on behalf of our customers. Both sides are blaming the other: Verizon says Cox is asking for too much money, while Cox says Verizon has turned down multiple offers from the company.

As a consequence, 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 the
content on the blackout channels is available. If youre eligible for the refund, Verizon will reach out to you this week to let you know how to redeem the offer. No resolution in sight (Image credit: Verizon)

Theres no doubt that this is a painful move for Verizon. Not only is it
having to cough up credit for large numbers of affected customers, it's still unable to resolve the dispute that lies at the heart of this ongoing matter. Thats a bad look for any TV provider.

But its an even more painful situation for Verizons Boston-based customers, who have missed out on some key TV moments since the blackout came into
effect including the New England Patriots run to the Super Bowl.

That game is due to take place on February 8, and local fans of the team will be hoping Verizon can settle the dispute before then. If not, theyll have to find other ways to watch the game.

With no resolution in sight, its unknown how much longer Bostonians will be locked out of the affected TV channels. If youre affected and want to know
how you can catch the Super Bowl, our guide has got you covered.

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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/phones/verizon/verizon-issues-rare-refund-to-boston- users-who-are-locked-out-of-key-tv-channels-to-show-that-we-have-their-back


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