New smartcards to end AU satellite TV piracy - News - Communications

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This story was printed from ZDNet Australia.
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New smartcards to end AU satellite TV piracy

By Staff writers, ZDNet Australia
November 04, 2003
URL: http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/communications/soa/New-smartcards-to-end-AU-satellite-TV-piracy/0,130061791,120280535,00.htm

Pay television operators Austar and Foxtel have teamed up to introduce new smartcards to combat satellite TV piracy in Australia.

The new smartcard will replace the existing smartcard that is installed in set-top boxes to enable them to receive and read the satellite signal. The new version of the card has been not been compromised by pirates anywhere in the world, according to the two companies.

"The new smartcards that we are deploying use a globally-proven technology that pirates cannot break into," said Foxtel's chief executive officer, Kim Williams, in a statement. "Piracy undermines the sustainability of our businesses and services, and the jobs and investment that we provide. We are deploying fresh technology that will stop satellite piracy."

The investment in the smartcard upgrade has contributed to increased capital expenditure over the last two years, according to Austar. The new smartcards will be rolled out progressively over the next several months across Australia.

"Our message to anyone who may be pirating the service today is: don't lose your signal! Continue to enjoy the great benefits of your satellite television service by becoming a legitimate subscriber," exhorted Williams.