Verizon announced a long-term agreement with NBC Universal Cable for distribution of its cable and broadcast networks on Verizon FiOS TV, which launches later this year. Two of the networks, Telemundo and mun2, will be part of the extensive lineup of Spanish-language programming available to FiOS TV subscribers.

The agreement includes rights to distribute Bravo, CNBC, CNBC World, MSNBC, SCI FI Channel, Trio, USA, ShopNBC, Telemundo, including Telemundo's locally owned broadcast stations, and mun2, a channel aimed at young U.S. Latinos. Also included are retransmission consent rights to NBC Universal's owned and operated broadcast stations and Universal HD, a service that features high-definition films, TV shows, performing arts, sports and special events.

"We are pleased to add NBCU Cable to our list of content partners," said Terry Denson, vice president of programming and marketing for Verizon FiOS TV. "Whether it's news or entertainment, in-language programs, sports, shopping, local channels or HD, NBC Universal's channels will provide the types of choices customers prefer."

David Zaslav, president, NBCU Cable, said, "Through this agreement with Verizon, consumers will now have another way to access the quality programming available from NBCU. We are committed to working with our distribution partners on providing them with the most compelling and meaningful content for their customers."

In addition to a robust expanded basic package, Verizon will also offer an alternative basic package that will feature popular English and Spanish language networks to appeal to the Hispanic population.

Verizon FiOS TV will offer customers a competitive alternative to cable or satellite. In addition to the NBC Cable and Broadcast channels, FiOS TV will also deliver hundreds of other digital video channels, high-definition programming, video-on-demand content, music channels, an interactive programming guide and other customer-friendly features via the company's fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) broadband network. Verizon is already constructing FTTP networks in half the states where it offers landline communications service.

Customers will be able to buy FiOS TV as a stand-alone service or packaged with voice and FiOS high-speed data services, which are already available in some areas.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.