Press

Vyve Wins National CableFax Tech Award
Vyve Wins National CableFax Tech Award 150 150 Vyve Broadband

VYVE BROADBAND WINS PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL CABLEFAX TECH AWARD FOR BEING FIRST U.S. COMPANY TO OFFER CONSUMERS TIVO® DTA GUIDE

Award-Winning Cable Guide is a Key Feature of Vyve Broadband’s Recently Launched All-Digital TV Service in Douglas and Waycross

Vyve Broadband — which provides broadband, cable television and voice services for commercial and residential customers in Douglas and Waycross — has received a prestigious CableFax Tech Award from national trade publication “CableFax“ magazine for its launch of the TiVo® DTA guide, which the company introduced in Douglas, Waycross and other markets as part of its new all-digital TV service. Vyve is the first company in the U.S. to offer this product to consumers.

Specifically, Vyve was recognized with the Tech Partnership Award in recognition of a “unique partnership deal with a distributor and/or programmer that drew special attention to a tech product or service.“

Created by TiVo and Evolution Digital, the TiVo DTA guide — which is branded for Vyve customers as Vyve’s HD Guide Experience, Powered by TiVo — enhances cable TV viewers‘ experience by allowing them to easily order pay-per-view content, set parental controls, and quickly and conveniently search for programming.

“Vyve is extremely honored to receive this award. Being the first company to deploy this new and exciting solution meant that our customers were the first TV viewers in the nation to enjoy this great technology,“ said Mike Kellish, system manager in Georgia for Vyve Broadband. “By partnering with TiVo and Evolution Digital, this new technology has become a cornerstone of our 140-plus-channel, all-digital, all-high-definition video offering, which is available here in Douglas, Waycross and in many other markets across the U.S. where we operate.“

Vyve Broadband has invested significant capital and resources to upgrade the systems serving its customers across Oklahoma, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas, Wyoming and Colorado. Vyve, Evolution Digital and TiVo worked closely to ensure the successful deployment of this new guide. The first formal launch to consumers was in April 2014 and the TiVo DTA guide is available to the majority of Vyve’s markets, including Bristow, Chandler, Depew, McAlester, Holdenville, Kellyville, Stroud, Shawnee and Durant, Oklahoma; and Douglas, Wyoming.

“This technology represents the best-in-class user interface for customers who want to optimize their entertainment options,“ Kellish added. “We look forward to extending this product to additional Vyve markets in 2015.“

Customers interested in additional information regarding Vyve Broadband are encouraged to visit VyveBroadband.com

Vyve Completes “Tuck-In” Acquisitions in Oklahoma
Vyve Completes “Tuck-In” Acquisitions in Oklahoma 150 150 Vyve Broadband

VYVE BROADBANDTM COMPLETES “TUCK-IN” ACQUISITIONS IN OKLAHOMA

Vyve Acquires Alliance Communications Network’s Buford Media Asset in Pryor, Oklahoma
Continues Vyve’s Strategy of Strategic Consolidation of Non-Urban Markets

Vyve Broadband has completed the acquisition of Alliance Communications Network’s Buford Media asset in Pryor, Oklahoma. This acquisition complements Vyve’s existing footprint in Oklahoma and increases the number of homes passed to 315,000, an increase of 5,000.

Vyve’s aggressive growth plan was first announced through the acquisition of certain assets of Allegiance Communications and James Cable in 2013. This “tuck-in” transaction of Pryor further solidifies the company’s footprint in Oklahoma. The acquired system will be upgraded to deliver broadband speeds up to 105 Mbps, as well as all-digital HD video technology and a state-of-the-art voice platform, consistent with the company upgrade strategy across the country. The Pryor system has been immediately merged into Vyve’s existing operations.

“Vyve is pleased to announce this acquisition. It complements our existing operations in eastern Oklahoma and we look forward to bringing real broadband speeds, as well as cutting-edge video and phone products, to Pryor and the surrounding areas,” said Jeffrey DeMond, chief executive officer of Vyve Broadband.

Vyve’s upgraded networks providing best-in-market 105 Mbps Internet speeds are already up and running in multiple markets, including Shawnee, McAlester, Durant (Oklahoma), Waycross and Douglas (Georgia), Decatur and New Boston (Texas), Ottawa, Atchison and Ft Riley (Kansas) and Westlake (Louisiana). Network upgrades will be complete in additional communities across the company in 2015.

Increased Internet speeds in these and other Vyve markets are coordinated with other expanded Vyve offerings, such as Watch TV Everywhere™ — which Vyve Broadband video customers can use to watch their favorite shows from participating channels anytime, anywhere and on any device. Also included is the new Vyve HD Guide, powered by TiVo®, which helps users find the exact programming they want, quickly and easily.

Customers interested in additional information regarding Vyve Broadband are encouraged to visit VyveBroadband.com.

Vyve Broadband Expresses Disappointment with FCC’s Decision to Increase Regulation of Internet
Vyve Broadband Expresses Disappointment with FCC’s Decision to Increase Regulation of Internet 150 150 Vyve Broadband

Vyve Broadband Expresses Disappointment with FCC’s Decision to Increase Regulation of Internet

A strong supporter of net neutrality, Vyve concerned that new rules will result in reduced broadband investment and innovation, higher costs for customers in rural areas

Vyve Broadband, which provides Internet, video and phone service to customers across nine states in the midwestern and southern United States, has announced its disagreement with the results of a decision made on Thursday by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reclassify broadband Internet as a public utility. This decision places broadband under stricter government oversight, making it subject to the FCC’s Title II regulation rules.

“Vyve Broadband is extremely disappointed with this decision, as are many other Internet service providers, technology companies and content creators across the United States,” said Jeffrey DeMond, chief executive officer for Vyve Broadband. “We believe that such action is completely unnecessary — and that it could negatively impact the type and amount of innovation that companies like Vyve are able to pursue. We also anticipate that it will adversely affect the quality, quantity and cost of Internet access and content that’s available to customers, especially those in rural communities.”

The FCC claims that Title II regulation is the only way to ensure net neutrality, the concept that Internet service providers and governments should treat all data on the Internet equally, regardless of user, content, site or technological platform. Supporters of net neutrality — including Vyve — believe that no content should be blocked or slowed down, and that no content provider should be allowed to pay for faster speeds. Vyve is wholeheartedly in favor of establishing rules that would ensure net neutrality — but does not feel that heavyhanded Title II regulations are the best way to achieve this.

Vyve also sees unproductive, lengthy and expensive litigation as one of the most harmful effects of Title II regulation. “It’s very likely that this decision by the FCC is going to end up in court for years, which will generate a large amount of marketplace uncertainty as companies like Vyve wait for the courts to make a final decision. This will slow down the pace of broadband innovation — which has always been remarkably rapid in the United States — and will cost taxpayers millions of dollars as the government argues its case,” DeMond added. “Ultimately, this decision will be a losing scenario for Vyve, its customers and for the nation as a whole, which will risk losing its position as the world’s leader in broadband technology.”

Now that the FCC has decided to move forward with Title II regulation, Vyve is assessing its next steps.

“With this decision, Vyve will need to look carefully at the details to evaluate the potential impact on our business in the short term,” DeMond said. “And, regardless of the outcome of the Title II regulation debate, Vyve will continue to play a very important role in the future of the Internet. We remain committed to growing our business and providing our customers the best products and services possible under the evolving regulatory environment.”

Vyve Broadband Offers Oklahomans Tips for Staying Safe Online
Vyve Broadband Offers Oklahomans Tips for Staying Safe Online 150 150 Vyve Broadband

With Cyber Monday and Cyber Week Just Around the Corner, Vyve Broadband Offers Oklahomans Tips for Staying Safe Online

On a typical day, at any point during the year, thousands of Oklahomans will find themselves shopping online, banking via the Internet, making travel arrangements on sites like Travelocity, and connecting with friends and family through social media.

However, Monday, Dec. 1 — and the week that follows — are anything but “typical” days since they mark the arrival of Cyber Monday (the first Monday after Thanksgiving) and Cyber Week, when more than 100 million Americans, and a large percentage of Oklahomans, will start hunting online for the best holiday deals.

On Cyber Monday 2013, more than $2.2 billion worth of online purchases were made nationally, and those numbers are expected to climb in 2014. And while the explosion of online shopping on Cyber Monday and during Cyber Week means there’s considerably less time spent standing in line at the mall and waiting in traffic, it also means that Oklahoma residents will be increasingly vulnerable to cyber fraud, online security breaches and computer viruses, which are all prevalent during the holidays.

“Online holiday shopping is an amazingly convenient and even fun way to way to quickly and easily cruise through your holiday gift list, and social media is a very popular way to share your holiday cheer,” says Dave Harwood, system manager in Oklahoma for Vyve Broadband. “But it’s extremely important to be vigilant and cautious when surfing the Internet and using social media networks during the holiday season.

“Sadly, there are people out there looking to take advantage of you. Fortunately, there are some very easy things that folks can do to ensure that their online holiday experience is a safe and positive one,” Harwood says.

Vyve Broadband, which has customers across nine states — including Oklahoma — using its high-speed Internet service, encourages online shoppers to keep these safety tips in mind during Cyber Week and throughout the rest of the year:

 Make sure your passwords actually provide protection. Don’t choose a common password. Easy-to-guess passwords, like “123456” or “password01,” offer very little protection for your identity and your information. Make passwords uniquely personal, such as the name of your favorite sports team plus your favorite number, or your favorite teacher’s name.

 Limit access to personal information on social media. Many cyber criminals go straight to social media sites to access personal information that most people would never share anywhere else. Be sure to update the privacy settings on your social networking pages so that only family, friends and other followers who you personally know can see your content.

 If a deal looks too good to be true, it just might be. When shopping online, everyone is looking to take advantage of discount opportunities. However, beware of overly great deals. Many times these are links for businesses that aren’t credible (or even real) and may be fraudulent. And sometimes these links have viruses. Always be sure you’re opening a safe and credible link, and if something looks suspicious, it’s best to avoid it.

 Update your security. Make sure your computer has the latest security software to protect your computer against attack from social media hackers, viruses, spyware and other Internet threats.

Vyve Launches SEC Network and Longhorn Network
Vyve Launches SEC Network and Longhorn Network 150 150 Vyve Broadband

SEC NETWORK AND LONGHORN NETWORK KICK OFF ON VYVE BROADBAND

New Channels, Available to Customers in All Vyve Markets in Texas and Oklahoma, Provide 24/7 Coverage of Southeastern Athletic Conference (SEC) Athletics and University of Texas Sports

Vyve Broadband announced today that it will offer the new SEC Network and the Longhorn Network to all of its customers in Oklahoma and Texas. The SEC Network will provide Vyve customers with the unmatched ability to view 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week coverage dedicated to SEC football, basketball and 19 other men’s and women’s sports, and the Longhorn Network will offer around-the-clock coverage of all 20 University of Texas sports, including football.

Vyve reached an agreement with Disney/ESPN, the parent company of the SEC Network and the Longhorn Network, last week. Vyve will start offering the two channels on August 14 — the same day that the SEC Network premiers nationally.

The SEC Network will cover more than 1,000 events in its first year, including 45 football games, more than 100 men’s basketball games, 60 women’s basketball games, 75 baseball games, and hundreds of other events from across the full range of SEC men’s and women’s sports.

Specifically for SEC football fans, SEC Network programming will include studio shows, original content such as “SEC Storied,” spring football games, signing day and pro day coverage.

The Longhorn Network, which premiered in 2011, will offer unprecedented access to more than 200 live University of Texas sporting events annually, including two football games, men’s and women’s basketball games, women’s volleyball, baseball, softball and other University of Texas Olympic sports coverage — plus numerous coaches’ shows and original programs like “Texas GameDay” and “Longhorn Extra.”

“Vyve customers in Oklahoma and Texas have made their passion for sports programming — especially content that focuses on the extremely competitive SEC Conference and the premier athletic offerings of the University of Texas — very clear,” said Jeffrey DeMond, chief executive officer of Vyve Broadband. “These networks will bring football, basketball, baseball, and many other campus sports directly to our customers. This is something that Vyve customers have asked for, and we’re very happy to be able to deliver it to them.”

Vyve customers in Texas and Oklahoma will also get exclusive online access to additional SEC events and coverage through the SEC Network’s digital portals, SECNetwork.com and the Watch ESPN app, via Vyve’s TV Everywhere platform. This digital content will include both live and on-demand programming that can be viewed on computers and mobile devices anytime, anywhere using Vyve’s super fast Internet. Launch dates for the Watch ESPN app will be announced in the near future.

Vyve customers in Texas and Oklahoma can access the Longhorn Network at home or on the go on their computers at LonghornNetwork.com, or on Apple devices with the Longhorn Network App.

Customers interested in additional information regarding Vyve Broadband, the SEC Network and the Longhorn Network are encouraged to visit VyveBroadband.com, GetSECNetwork.com and espn.go.com/longhornnetwork. Customers can also learn more by calling 1-855-578-VYVE.

Vyve Broadband Announces Channel Changes
Vyve Broadband Announces Channel Changes 150 150 Vyve Broadband

VYVE BROADBAND ANNOUNCES CHANNEL CHANGES

Children’s Entertainment Channels Sprout and Boomerang, Family-Oriented UP, News Network TheBlaze, Action Oriented MavTV and Hallmark Movie Channel Added to Lineup.
Viacom Channels Dropped Due to Rapidly Increasing Programming Fees & Declining Popularity.
Aligning with National Trends, Vyve Broadband Launches New Watch TV Everywhere Service, Offers Extensive Programming Over the Super-Fast Vyve Broadband Internet Service.

Vyve Broadband announced today that it is implementing the first step in its TV Revolution campaign to shake up the way TV content is delivered to its customers. Vyve has announced sweeping changes to its programming choices, including the launch of numerous frequently requested channels and the dropping of the Viacom family of channels. In addition to the new channels, Vyve has also launched Watch TV Everywhere, a whole new way to access TV programming via the Internet.

The new customer-requested channels include children’s entertainment channels Boomerang and Sprout, family-oriented UP, political news and commentary channel TheBlaze, action oriented family channel MavTV and Hallmark Movie Channel. Vyve has received repeated inquiries from customers about adding these channels. A full list of new and updated channels now available to Vyve customers can be viewed at VyveBroadband.com/TVrevolution.

The Viacom channels, including MTV, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central, are being dropped as the result of annual programming fee increases recently announced by Viacom that would have doubled programming rates over the next five years. This would significantly increase Vyve customers’ monthly costs, since programming fees account for the bulk of customer bills. In addition to concern about passing these rapidly increasing costs on to its customers, Vyve also took into consideration the declining ratings of Viacom channels. Viacom programming will be removed from Vyve’s cable TV lineup starting May 1.

As part of its TV Revolution, Vyve Broadband is introducing alternative ways to view TV content, including Watch TV Everywhere and other Internet TV viewing options. Watch TV Everywhere is now being rolled out to Vyve Broadband video customers and can be accessed using any Internet connection, including Vyve Broadband’s market-leading, super-fast Internet service. Watch TV Everywhere allows Vyve Broadband customers to watch their favorite shows from participating channels anytime, anywhere and on any device.

In addition to innovative products such as Watch TV Everywhere, Vyve Broadband is leveraging its highspeed broadband capabilities to connect customers to a limitless number of television shows and movies available to stream online through popular services, such as Netflix®, Hulu® and Amazon Video®. Most Viacom programs are available to view online.

“Everything we do at Vyve is aimed at creating a customer experience that is unequaled in broadband speed and entertainment value,” said Jeffrey DeMond, chief executive officer for Vyve Broadband. “The new channels we are introducing offer an exciting range of entertainment options, including many networks that our customers have been asking for. And although it was a difficult decision to remove the Viacom channels, giving in to their demands would have violated our commitment of providing our customers with the best possible product at the greatest value.”

“In addition, the introduction of Watch TV Everywhere dovetails fantastically with the channel lineup adjustments we’ve made and with the national trend toward offering consumers more programming content through the Internet,” DeMond said. “With a Vyve Broadband connection, our customers have access to a wide array of content, including most Viacom programs, through other online sources, such as Hulu, Hulu Plus, Amazon, iTunes and Netflix — all of which can all be accessed through Vyve’s broadband service.”

Customers with questions about Vyve Broadband, and those wishing to share feedback about Vyve’s new channels, are encouraged to visit VyveBroadband.com/TVrevolution.

 

Update: Important information about our relationship with Viacom.
Update: Important information about our relationship with Viacom. 150 150 Vyve Broadband

Vyve Broadband joins Independent Cable Operators in stand against Viacom Rate Hikes

Vyve Broadband and hundreds of other independent operators across the country may be required by Viacom to remove all Viacom channels until such time as a new agreement is secured. The existing agreement with Viacom, owner of numerous networks including MTV, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central, expires on March 31, 2014 and despite good faith efforts to negotiate a contract renewal at a fair price for these networks, Viacom continues to demand a huge rate increase. This potential loss of channels is not an isolated incident and in fact is part of a larger, industry-wide problem that has seen channels go dark across the country over the past several years.

“Vyve’s goal is to protect our customers from significant programming fee increases. Because we pay programmers a monthly fee per channel for every customer for their programming, we believe it’s our responsibility to take a stand when a multibillion dollar company such as Viacom demands exorbitant increases.” said Dave Harwood, General Manager for Vyve Broadband. “These large increases impact all of us throughout our communities and we want to make sure our customers know we are working on their behalf.”

The current proposal from Viacom would have costly repercussions for the company’s customers. While we are restricted from talking about specific rates, Viacom demanded an increase that is 40 times the rate of inflation*. From another perspective, this would be similar to pulling up to the gas pump and finding that gas has gone from $3.50 a gallon to $6.00 – overnight.

Vyve Broadband is a small operator which has invested heavily in our rural networks so we may bring next generation Internet, video and phone services to our largely rural footprint. Part of that upgrade is the creation of a 100% digital, HD video product to complement our cutting-edge Internet service, which will bring our customers the best possible service at the greatest value. As we deliver these new services, programming costs remain a continual concern.

* Source: 12-month period from January 2013 to January 2014, Bureau of Labor Statistics, released February 20, 2014.

Important information about our relationship with Viacom.
Important information about our relationship with Viacom. 150 150 Vyve Broadband

 

Vyve Broadband may be required by Viacom to remove all Viacom channels until such time as a new agreement is secured. The existing agreement with Viacom, owner of numerous networks including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, TV Land, VH1, Spike TV, CMT, BET, Nick Jr. Teen Nick, Nick Toons, MTV2, MTV Hits, MTV Jams, VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, CMT Pure Country, MTV Tr3s, MTVU, Logo and Centric expired on March 31, 2014. Despite good faith efforts to negotiate a contract renewal at a fair price for these networks, Viacom continues to demand a huge rate increase. This potential loss of channels is not an isolated incident and in fact is part of a larger, industry-wide problem that has seen channels go dark across the country over the past several years.

You can watch most Viacom programs through other online sources, such as Hulu, Hulu Plus, Amazon, iTunes and Netflix—download this guide to learn more.

TiVo Selected by Vyve Broadband to Provide Exclusive Next-Generation Advanced Television Experience
TiVo Selected by Vyve Broadband to Provide Exclusive Next-Generation Advanced Television Experience 150 150 Vyve Broadband

TiVo Selected by Vyve Broadband to Provide Exclusive Next-Generation Advanced Television Experience

First-ever integration of TiVo® service with Evolution Digital’s HD uDTA
New strategic initiative leverages TiVo service feeds and elements of the TiVo UI offered on low cost devices

TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ: TIVO), a leader in the advanced television entertainment market, and Vyve Broadband, LLC today announced that Vyve has selected TiVo to develop advanced capabilities for its subscribers using Digital Transport Adapters (DTAs). Powered by the TiVo Service, this deal represents a new strategic initiative for TiVo by bringing important elements of the TiVo experience to low-cost, next generation DTAs built by Evolution Digital, a leading provider of next-generation set-top boxes. Vyve will begin initial deployment of the TiVo offering in April.

Vyve serves subscribers across Oklahoma, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas, Wyoming and Colorado. TiVo and Evolution Digital partnered to develop the DTA experience to facilitate Vyve’s 140+ HD channel, all-digital video rollout. As Vyve retires its’ analog video services, the DTA will provide HD signals to all of the televisions in the home – both new HD and older, analog sets. Through this agreement, Vyve will market and deploy TiVo’s best-in-class user interface. The DTA provides access to all linear channels with a new powerful guide and unique to the industry recommendations feature.

Vin Zachariah, Vyve Broadband’s SVP of Residential Services said, “Vyve was founded with a key principal of providing next-generation broadband services to our non-urban markets. This agreement with TiVo enables us to take yet another large step in delivering on that commitment. Converting our infrastructure to an all-digital format with over 140+ HD channels is a critical technology objective. We are pleased to couple that with the TiVo platform to provide a superior user experience.”

Thomas Elam, Vice President and General Manager of TiVo’s service provider business said, “As TiVo continues to expand from our DVR roots to provide rich media experiences to all devices, this initial foray in to the DTA arena is very important deal for the company. Vyve and Evolution Digital are fantastic partners to bring this new, low-cost DTA solution to market. TiVo is now in a new business area, one we are keen to rapidly expand, including the potential this partnership presents to provide additional products such as whole-home solutions. We couldn’t be happier to make our inaugural DTA deployment with Vyve, a company that shares our innovative, customer-centric approach to television. We are confident that Vyve’s subscribers will immediately enjoy the best TV viewing experience available anywhere.”

Marc Cohen, Evolution Digital’s EVP of Sales said, “Evolution Digital is really seeing a shift in the marketplace from SD to HD with MSO’s like Vyve seeing the great value enhancements of Evolution’s HD uDTA. An industry leader like TiVo enables Evolution to customize and fulfill programs and develop strategic relationships that help MSO’s reduce capital expenditures, lower operating costs and increase customer satisfaction.”

Evolution has deployed millions of set-top boxes throughout the cable market including DTA’s, which help MSO’s facilitate a smoother transition to next generation IP TV while also competing more effectively in the near term through aggressive HD channel expansion and faster broadband.

Enter your
text here