Big Ten Network sticking around in Comcast's area lineup

Don't worry, Big Ten fans. Your conference's network is staying on Comcast's list of available channels locally.

"The Big Ten Network in-market feed is still available — and will continue to be available — to our customers in Big Ten states, including Illinois," Comcast Vice President Jack Segal told The News-Gazette on Thursday, as reports circulated about the network dropping BTN altogether.

That's only partly true.

Comcast is indeed dropping Chicago-based BTN — but only in some out-of-market areas.

Comcast, based in Philadelphia, is the country's largest cable provider, owning systems in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Hawaii is the lone state without Comcast.

Illinois has more than…