TDS explains to customers how to watch the Super Bowl for free
Due to a contract dispute, Nexstar Media Group is preventing TDS Telecom (TDS ®) from broadcasting several channels including CBS in TDS markets in New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, and Oregon.
“CBS is broadcasting Super Bowl LIII® and we don’t want our customers to miss out on the big game,” says Jim Butman, president and CEO of TDS Telecom.
Here’s how to watch the game and stream the Super Bowl® for free:
1. Anyone in the United States will be able to stream the game for free through their TV, computer, phone or tablet with the CBS Sports TV app. Download the app from the Google Play Store (android phone users), the App Store (for iPhone users), or via your streaming device (Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast). Search for the CBS Sports App, install the app, open the app and then search for Super Bowl LIII.
2. From a computer or mobile device, consumers can watch it on at cbssports.com.
3. Consumers can also livestream the Super Bowl with the NFL Mobile app or the Yahoo Sports app on your phone or tablet. For android phones, the app can be downloaded on the Google Play Store. For iphone users, the app can be download at the App Store.
When does the streaming start on Super Bowl Sunday?
CBS will start livestreaming about 30 minutes before kickoff at 5 p.m. CT.
The following stations and communities are impacted:
KBIM (CBS) - Hobbs, Lovington, Carlsbad, Alamogordo, and Ruidoso, New Mexico
KRQE (CBS) - Socorro and Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
KREZ (CBS) - Cortez, Colorado
KLAS (CBS) - Mesquite, Nevada
KLBK (CBS) - Seminole, Texas
KOIN (CBS) - Madras, Crooked River Ranch, Culver, Prineville, and Metolius, Oregon
Nexstar Media Group operates 174 stations and reaches 38% of all U.S. households. TDS and Nexstar have remained at an impasse over negotiations since Dec. 31, 2018. TDS has reached out to Nexstar many times in the last few weeks seeking an agreement.
“We offered them the same rate increases other broadcasters have agreed to,” said Butman. “They are demanding premium rates even for channels that are completely free over the internet and over-the-air. In addition, Nexstar is including contract language demanding rate increases for its local stations even if they lose their ability to broadcast major network content and start carrying less desirable programming.”
In his third video message to TDS customers, Butman asks consumers to call Nexstar and tell them it’s time to negotiate at 972/373-8880. “You can also tell the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) you’re tired of paying higher rates. Your voice has power.”
The “Super Bowl” and “Super Bowl LIII” are registered trademarks of NFL Properties LLC.
