Expressvu institutes minimum monthly charge for new subs

The red ink continues to flow at Expressvu. The more subs, the higher the losses. While spending huge amounts buying politicians and the RCMP in an attempt to turn Canada into Cuba North, a dim light has gone off at head office. Perhaps it was the realization that their Canadian satellite competition, Star Choice, will turn a profit in 2002 with only 70% as many subs. Maybe it was the lower revenue/sub versus their past and compared to competition.

Expressvu has been hit by the old "All for One" security breach and as a result all new Expressvu subscribers will be hit with a minimum $20CDN/month charge.

Its ok with me though, my programming is a little more then that. :)

Raising prices due to an "All for one" hack? Does that mean hackers now have to pay $20 a month to hack? :D

Just kidding folks. I don't get what ExpressVu means by that, but its ok.

Scott

IIRC, this "all for one" hack refers to a hack where one smart card is hacked to get everything, then all each new "customer" of the hacker needs is a receiver and a card that the hacker can program. However, as I understand it, the card does need to get at least some data stream, so the hacker's "customer" must subscribe to a very basic package (any small amount of programming will do, like Dish's PPV Access, or Direct's Limited pack.)

By raising the minimum subscription amount to $20 worth of programming, Expressvu is making sure they are getting at least some decent amount of revenue from each of the hacker's customers. If each of them was only getting $5 before, that was probably hurting Evu a whole lot.

I am surprised Expressvu has had this type of hack occur. If this is the case, I would assume I'd hear more about the same being used for Dish.

I am surprised Expressvu has had this type of hack occur. If this is the case, I would assume I'd hear more about the same being used for Dish.

A law enforcement, not involved in this investigation, heard from his sources that the break was centered in Maritime Canada.

It was well organized, with even some employees of Big Box stores acting as recruiters. Newbie satellite customers funnelled away from choosing Star Choice (better deal for sub because Star Choice installs & maintains dish) towards Expressvu. Buy Expressvu and pay $150 to friend who will setup card to receive all programming for $10.95/month (basics cost)

Expressvu jumped on this in a hurry (probably with help from Dish) They put up a channel called HBOC that could only be seen with those using the hacked cards. It shows a loop of Mounties carrying out raids in the Halifax area with appropriate audio warnings