The America Channel (TAC) announced its fifth telco deal -- a digital IP carriage agreement with Optical Entertainment Network (OEN). The America Channel will launch in 2006 on OEN's FISION fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) service in Houston, Texas. The America Channel previously reported deals with Verizon FiOS and other telcos, for nationwide deployment in 2006. The America Channel has now secured carriage with companies representing approximately 80% of the projected telco video market.

"Optical Entertainment Network is committed to competing for consumers, with superior channel offerings, competitive pricing, and quality customer service," commented Doron Gorshein, CEO of The America Channel. "We believe that OEN's competitive spirit, and commitment to their consumers, will result in the capture of substantial market share in Houston, a top ten market."

FISION is deploying digital IP Video, Internet and Voice service to 1,600,000 households in Houston, Texas -- the 10th largest television market in the U.S. OEN is the nation's largest IPTV deployment.

"The America Channel is all about our communities, local heroes, and ordinary people who accomplish the extraordinary. It taps into Americans' deep connections to their community," said Jo-lynn Foo, Vice-President, Programming of Optical Entertainment Network, which provides the FISION service. "This unique and highly resonant product can be leveraged in a number of ways to connect with our customer base and provide meaningful value-add for us. It, therefore, fits well with our strategies of focusing on local communities, and delivering the best available products to our consumers."