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IPtimize, which provides managed broadband voice and data services, and Secure Signals, which offers service theft solutions to the cable industry, have formed an agreement that will offer cable operators a new revenue stream and the ability to combat illegal digital video, PPV and IP service usage.
According to the companies, all cable operators that launch, or are currently deploying, IPtimize’s hosted services can take advantage of Secure Signals’ GuardDog DV theft solution and GuardDog IP fraud solutions – for free.
GuardDog DV detects and manages non-responding set-top boxes and identifies digital video and PPV service theft. GuardDog IP is a turnkey network monitoring solution that uses pioneering software technology powered by the Arris ServAssure platform to detect fraudulent use of IP services, according to Secure Signals. Both versions of GuardDog integrate with cable operators’ networks, as well as IPtimize’s hosted data and IP services, to provide a streamlined solution.
Secure Signals can provide 24/7, real-time network monitoring of all set-top boxes and DOCSIS-based consumer premises equipment (CPE) in a cable network to detect digital TV and PPV service theft and fraudulent IP use. If illegal users are identified, the company implements a customer-centric restitution program to pursue cash settlements and two-year service agreements from them.
Instead of charging a fee for the technology, network monitoring and restitution procurement, Secure Signals receives a portion of the revenues generated from the fines and cash settlements it secures, the company said.
Secure Signals said that last year, the company converted 1,500 cable TV pirates into paying customers for Buckeye CableSystem, bringing the cable operator $3.1 million in revenue and 3.75 percent subscriber growth.
“By integrating Secure Signals’ GuardDog solutions with IPtimize’s suite of hosted IP services, cable operators can aggressively address video and IP service theft and protect their profits,” said Ron Pitcock, IPtimize's chairman and CEO.
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