- Verizon users in Boston are locked out of several major chains
- This is the result of a contract dispute that remains unresolved
- Verizon has now refunded $10.99 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. Yet that turned out to be anything but the case for thousands of Verizon customers in Boston — and after a month of outage, they’re finally getting a refund.
The problems began on December 15, 2025, when a dispute arose between Verizon Fios and Cox Media Group, which carried certain channels for Verizon users. After the contract between the two companies expired, they were unable to come to an agreement on a new deal, meaning access to some Fox and NBC shows was cut off. The result was that Verizon customers missed much of the programming, including NFL broadcasts, among others.
Affected channels vary by city, but include WFXT (FOX, Charge!, Laff) in Boston, MA and Providence, RI. In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 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 play fair on behalf of our customers.” Both sides blame the other: Verizon says Cox is asking for too much money, while Cox says Verizon has turned down several offers from the company.
As a result, Verizon is providing a $10.99 credit to each user “to show affected customers that we support them.” Boston.com reports that this is intended to “cover the costs of other platforms and services on which content from banned channels is available.” If you’re eligible for the refund, Verizon will contact you this week to let you know how to take advantage of the offer.
No resolution in sight
There’s no doubt that this is a painful decision for Verizon. Not only does it have to extend credit to a large number of affected customers, but it is still unable to resolve the dispute that is at the heart of this ongoing case. This is a bad idea for any TV provider.
But it’s an even more painful situation for Verizon customers based in Boston, who have missed some key TV moments since the blackout went into effect, including the New England Patriots’ run to the Super Bowl.
That game is scheduled to take place on February 8, and the team’s local 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 unclear how much longer Bostonians will be excluded from the affected television networks. If you’re concerned and want to know how to attend the Super Bowl, our guide has you covered.
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