NFL Network is excited that our next game telecast this Thursday features the Colts against the Jaguars.

Unfortunately, some Colts fans who subscribe to Comcast may be left on the sidelines for this game. For the second year in a row, Comcast has pushed NFL Network to a narrow sports tier where NFL fans have to pay extra for games they want to see.

It is clear that several big cable companies continue to turn a deaf ear to Football fans, blocking or charging extra for the most popular programming on TV. We in the NFL have been trying without success for months to negotiate with these companies for broader coverage.

Although we are not making progress with the large cable operators, the good news is that our nation's regulators are paying attention and keeping the fans in mind. In October, the Federal Communications Commission Media Bureau ruled that we had demonstrated that Comcast discriminated and retaliated against NFL Network. It is once again a reminder that these cable companies need to negotiate fairly, not discriminate against independent programmers.

Large cable companies discriminate against networks like NFL Network because we are independent. Have you ever wondered why you get Versus and the Golf Channel but not NFL Network? Both channels are owned by Comcast, which makes these channels broadly available. Networks like NFL Network, Wealth TV and a group of other sports and specialty programming options are not owned by the cable Giants. Instead of negotiating with independent programmers, the cable Giants discriminate against them in favor of their own.

Meanwhile, cable rates continue to go up. In the past decade, cable rates have increased significantly even though viewers are blocked from much independent programming. Despite what Comcast and other cable operators may say, the amount they pay for the channels you want to watch is not what determines the size of your cable bill.

The recent FCC Media Bureau rulings that Comcast discriminated against NFL Network should be a big step forward for consumers and NFL fans. The FCC ordered additional proceedings for the case. Unfortunately, at least another NFL season will pass before fans get TV they really want, like NFL Network.

You can take a stand. Contact your elected officials today. Tell them Comcast should stop the discrimination and give you NFL Network and your Colts.