The mtn. strikes a deal with DirecTV, SDSU official says

At long last, The mtn. apparently has a deal with DirecTV.

The network devoted to Mountain West Conference sports has not been available on any satellite service since its inception in September 2006. But Jeff Schemmel, San Diego State director of athletics, said today DirecTV will offer The mtn. beginning Aug. 1.

An official announcement is expected later today or Friday.

"It's invigorating and exciting for all of us," Schemmel said. "... (There is) a realization of how much a satellite deal will mean to recruiting and the ability of people across the country to see us play."

The mtn. currently is available in just 1.2 million homes nationwide on Comcast and Cox Digital Cable subscribers in San Diego, who pay for the sports and information package. It is not known how many additional homes will receive The mtn. after the deal with DirecTV

takes effect.

Time Warner Cable, the other major cable operator in San Diego County, does not have a deal with The mtn.

And there is no word about the ongoing negotiations with Dish network.