Time Warner Cable's agreement to carry Disney (ABC, ESPN) channels doesn't expire until September 2, but the NY Times notes that Verizon's already scaring users in several markets into thinking they need to switch to FiOS TV or they'll lose access to Disney programming. Verizon's obviously taking advantage of the kind of ugly carriage disputes we've seen in recent months (Dish Versus The Weather Channel, Disney/Cablevision, Time Warner Cable vs. Fox) but this is a particularly aggressive and premature move by Verizon, as companies scuffle over existing customers:Well, sort of. Outside of promotional deals (which often provide the illusion of value ahead of actual value), companies are largely engaged in non-price competition, and cable, satellite and telco TV operators raise rates in unison. These feuds between broadcasters and cable operators certainly don't benefit customers, who wind up paying higher bills no matter which side wins out in negotiations.

And while Time Warner Cable tells the Times negotiations with Disney continue in "good faith," an insider at Time Warner Cable tells Broadband Reports that the company is soon going to relaunch their "Roll Over Or Get Tough" campaign taking aim at Disney. Time Warner Cable rolled out the PR stunt in their battle with Fox, which was designed to rile up their customers so they'd contact Fox and complain.