Cox Communications Northern Virginia Launches Cable Theft Initiative

Cox Communications Northern Virginia Launches Cable Theft Initiative

HERNDON, Va., May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Communications Northern Virginia is taking a more aggressive stance against people who pirate its video products. Cox has retained the services of Secure Signals International (SSI), a Denver-based company that specializes in cable and satellite piracy issues. SSI will implement the anti-theft program by identifying people who either steal basic cable or use illegal devices to steal digital cable (premium services including HBO, Showtime and pay-per-view).

"Cable theft may not be a violent crime, but it's a crime that impacts us all," said Janet Barnard, vice president and region manager for Cox Northern Virginia. "Cable theft cost the industry nearly $5 billion in 2005, so we believe our new partnership with Secure Signal International will help address this serious issue."

Cox is offering a 30-day grace period whereby consumers not yet under investigation can turn in their illegal equipment directly to Cox. This grace period begins on May 14, 2007 and ends on June 15, 2007. Federal law allows SSI to seek fines up to $10,000 for each offense, plus court costs.

SSI will identify those people currently pirating cable service by checking addresses to ensure all active residential and business lines are legitimate. SSI will also pursue those who have purchased so-called "black boxes," filters, or other unauthorized devices that enable cable theft. Federal law enforcement officials obtained these names during raids on facilities that sell illegal cable theft devices. It is illegal to possess such a device under federal law.

"If someone in the Northern Virginia area purchased an illegal device, then we have them in our database and will seek restitution on behalf of Cox Communications," said Stan McGinnis, chief executive officer of Secure Signals International.

Those people who wish to take advantage of the 30-day grace period can contact Cox Northern Virginia at 703-480-7854 between May 14 and June 15.

About Cox Communications

Cox Communications, a Fortune 500 company, is a multi-service broadband communications and entertainment company with more than 6 million total residential and commercial customers. Cox offers an array of advanced digital video, high-speed Internet and telephony services over its own nationwide IP network. Cox Business Services is a full-service, facilities-based provider of communications solutions for commercial customers, providing high-speed Internet, voice and long-distance services, as well as data and video transport services for small to large-sized businesses. Cox Media offers national and local cable advertising in traditional spot and new media formats, along with promotional opportunities and production services. More information about the services of Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com, www.coxbusiness.com, and www.coxmedia.com.

Source: Cox Communications Northern Virginia

CONTACT: Alex Horwitz of Cox Communications Northern Virginia,
+1-703-480-4916

Web site:

http://www.cox.com/

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