Starz May Go Dark On Verizon FiOS Amid Dispute

Starz has warned that it may go dark on Verizon FiOS due to a carriage dispute, with the potential loss of all its channels, Starz on Demand, and the Starz app, unless an agreement is reached imminently. The network has 17.6 million subscribers, but about three-quarters of them access the service through its streaming platform, which is not affected by the current dispute.

The dispute is between Starz and Verizon, with the two companies unable to reach a new distribution agreement. If an agreement is not reached, Verizon may remove Starz's channels, on-demand content, and app access from its FiOS service. This could impact Verizon customers who rely on the service for shows like Outlander, Power Book IV: Force, and S.W.A.T. Exiles.

Alison Hoffman, President of Starz Networks, has warned viewers to prepare for the possibility of Verizon removing Starz. She stated that Starz has been negotiating in good faith with Verizon, but an agreement must be reached soon to avoid disruption to customers. Hoffman also noted that limiting access to Starz would reduce competition and consumer choice in the media marketplace.

## What happens next FiOS customers can sign up for Starz on streaming, which is not affected by the current dispute. This means that even if Starz is removed from Verizon FiOS, customers can still access the service's content through its streaming platform. Starz ended 2025 with 17.6 million subscribers and will no longer report subscriber numbers.

## Why it matters The dispute between Starz and Verizon may not significantly impact Starz's subscriber base, given that most of its subscribers access the service through streaming. However, it could still affect Verizon customers who rely on the FiOS service for access to Starz content. The outcome of the dispute will depend on the ability of the two companies to reach a new distribution agreement, and customers are advised to prepare for the possibility of disruption to their service.