Connected

VTX1 Companies –– The Next Level of Broadband

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MESSAGEfrom our CEO For this issue, I thought it would be timely to talk about our new security services which we recently began

offering. For many years, offering a security service meant that you put sensors on your doors and windows, and if someone broke in, it set off an alarm and the

police were called.Well, those services are

still available, but security services these days are more about home automation,

energy management, video cameras and safety than mere intrusion alarms. Today’s security services include:Interactive Perimeter Monitoring This is the foundation-level service which secures premise doors and windows and includes motion detectors within a home or office. People who attempt to enter a secured premise without permission will set off one of these alarms which will trigger a follow- up by a monitoring service. The service first attempts to contact the owner by phone, then follows the homeowner’s instructions on which law enforcement agency to notify of a break-in. Law enforcement will be dispatched to the home to investigate the unauthorized access attempt.Visual Surveillance Monitoring The next higher level of security services includes monitoring devices such as specialized surveillance

2016 saw a dramatic spike in technology scams. Last February, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued an alert regarding tax-related email scams, indicating that they had increased by 400% from 2015 to 2016. Many different scams appeared last year, some more prominent than others. Following are several that you should be aware of in 2017:Phishing The most common scam is called phishing, where people try to con you into providing your personal information to fake websites that look legitimate. Phishing attacks aren’t new, but they’re still the leading cause of compromised accounts. There are a variety of techniques that scammers use to gain access to your account. Email isn’t the only medium you need to monitor for phishing. Text messages from unknown numbers could also be scammers trying to get your information.Social Media Scams Scammers commonly target users on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. They use promoted tweets to convince you that they can help get your Twitter accounts verified, but they’re only after your account details and credit card information. Phone Scams Some scammers use phone calls to trick users into handing over their

money. One of the most common scams is known as the Grandma scam. Someone posing as a grandchild calls a senior citizen and says they drank too much, got into an accident, broke their nose (which is why their voice sounds different), and got arrested for a DUI charge. The scammer then asks the person for their credit card information so they can post bail. Tech Support Scams In this scheme, the scammer calls a victim and pretends to be a representative of a well-known software company’s technical support team. The person on the other end is told that their computer is infected with malware and the tech needs remote control of the victim’s computer to detect and remove it. Once in control, the scammer tells the victim that the purchase of special software is required to clean the hard drive. These solutions are often useless, and could infect the computer with malware. There are several steps you can take to defend against these scams. First and foremost, use common sense. No one should ever give their personal or payment information to ANYONE over the phone or through email, especially if they didn’t initiate the communication. If you don’t know who sent an email or text, don’t respond -- delete!

Beware of Technology

cameras. Cameras can be placed inside a premise or outside according to an owner’s specific needs. They can be infrared – which means they can “see” an intruder in total darkness and create a viewable image. These cameras can be accessed remotely by an owner through the internet on a PC or even a smartphone app. This is convenient because owners can monitor their premises 24/7 and be assured that their premises have not been violated. Recording capabilities are also available with these cameras, so any movement in front of the cameras would start a recording function to assist law enforcement in identifying potential intruders so they can be pursued. Cameras may also be placed at the front door to enable an owner to view anyone ringing their doorbell. These are called “video doorbells” and allow an owner to view and respond to someone at their front door – even when they are miles from home.Home Automation Security systems also offer devices that connect to electrical outlets and enable the outlet to be controlled

remotely through an internet connection. A remotely-

controlled electrical outlet enables owners to turn lights or TV off or on within the house to make it look like they’re at home. Door entry equipment is also available which enables owners to lock and unlock their doors remotely to enable authorized persons (children, neighbors, other family members) to enter their premises. Owners would utilize their remotely-accessed cameras to identify the person, then allow or deny access.Energy Management Today’s advanced security systems have remotely-controlled thermostats and water leak detectors that may be connected to the internet and controlled through wireless connections within an owner’s home. These are called “smart” devices, and they make it possible for owners to adjust their heating or air conditioning up or down remotely – or even turn a unit on or off if there was a significant change in temperature while an owner was away. These types of devices offer savings and even more security to an owner by keeping energy costs down and notifying an owner of water leaks before they become a serious issue. As you can see, security services have come a long way since the siren days. Our offering will be a full line of security monitoring, video surveillance, energy management, and home automation equipment. The pricing for the security equipment is very reasonable as are the monthly monitoring charges. All equipment will be installed by specially trained and certified VTX1 technicians. Check out our ad on the adjacent page for more information and instructions on how to order your VTX1 security services!

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This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF), found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.

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Contact Us

Serving South TexasFor Over 60 Years!

Raymondville Corporate Office881 E. Hidalgo AvenueRaymondville, TX 78580Sales & Customer Service Call CenterMonday - Friday; 8 am – 7 pmBusiness OfficesMonday- Friday; 8 am – 5 pmTechnical SupportMonday-Friday; 8 am – 9 pmSaturday & Sunday; 10 am – 7 pmWireless Technical Support 24/7

Dilley Office1489 W. FM 117Dilley, TX 78017Falfurrias Office300 N. St. Mary’s StreetFalfurrias, TX 78355Jourdanton Office511 Main StreetJourdanton, TX 78026George West Office510 Bowie StreetGeorge West, TX 78022

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You can have peace of mind starting at $99.00 with VTX1'sBasic Security System Kit*. This system includes: • FREE Installation of the following items: • 1 Control Panel with Key Pad & Siren • 1 Pet-Friendly Motion Detector • 3 Window/Door Contacts • 1 Wi-Fi Communicator • 1 Wireless Keychain Transmitter • 2 Window Decals • 1 Yard Sign

Once the Basic Security System is installed, your home can be protected by 24/7 monitoring for as little as $24.00 per month. Advanced monitoring options are available with the Total Connect 2.0 app. You may also be eligible to save up to 20% on your homeowner’s insurance premiums simply by having a monitored home security system.

*System purchase requires a 3-year monitoring contractVTX Communications, LLC – License # B15364

Sign up for a VTX1 Home Security System today!1.800.446.2031 www.vtx1.net

Restrictions may apply. Eligibility is based on service address.This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Introducing State-of-the-Art Security andHome Automation Systems from VTX1!

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CONNECTING in our COMMUNITIES

Check Presentation to Ronald McDonald House – 12/16/16Installation of Falfurrias Score Board 1/13/17

George West Winterfest 12/16/16

George West Extra Special Field Day 11/16/16

Dictionary Presentation to Third Grade Students atLa Gloria School in Premont 1/10/17Wild Game Feast 1/21/17

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CONNECTING in our COMMUNITIES

Willacy County Special Show 1/27/17

Pet Adoption and Low Cost Clinic at VTX1 Headquarters 12/17/16

Willacy County Livestock Show & Fair 1/26/17

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Congratulations to our CEO, Dave Osborn, who was named the Chairman of the Board for the Houston/South Texas Chapter of the Better Business Bureau at their annual meeting in December. He has served on the BBB board as a Director and Executive Committee Member since 2004. Mr. Osborn has served as the Chief Executive Officer of VTX1 Companies since 2005. His career began as a sales and marketing professional with Southwestern Bell in Dallas. After serving in managerial positions of increasing responsibility in St. Louis, Ft. Worth, Kansas City, and Houston, he earned an executive position

at AT&T Headquarters in Morristown, New Jersey. Mr. Osborn has since founded and developed start-up companies and is known as a turnaround specialist in the industry. His more recent employers have been Active Voice Corporation, COM 2001.com, Inc. and Grande River Technology Group (now VTX Communications, LLC). Mr. Osborn is a Director of WTA – The Broadband Alliance, the Texas Telephone Association, the Texas Statewide Telephone Cooperative, and the Texas Lone Star Network. He is also an active member of Vistage International, a CEO peer review and networking group.

Office ClosingsVTX1 Customer Service and Business Offices will be closed on the following dates:

Save theDates!Dates for VTX1 Companies’ Informational and

Annual Meetings have been set:

Dave Osborn NamedBoard Chair for

Better Business Bureau

April 14 – Good FridayMay 29 – Memorial Day

April 22 – San Isidro Informational MeetingApril 29 – Tilden Informational MeetingMay 6 – Bruni Informational Meeting

May 9 – Raymondville Annual Meeting

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Get NationwidePhone Service from VTX1

With VTX1 VoIP phone service, you can call anywhere in the U.S.!• Use your high-speed internet connection to make and receive calls• Choose your calling plan – many include unlimited long distance

• Reduce your monthly phone bills• Experience clear voice quality

• Keep your existing phone numberCall VTX1 Companies and start saving today!

Innovating Since 19521.800.446.2031www.vtx1.net

Restrictions may apply. Eligibility is based onservice address. This institution is an equal

opportunity provider and employer.

Sign Up for Auto PayIt’s SIMPLE, QUICK, EASY

and SECURE.

www.vtx1.net

Presort StandardU.S. Postage

PaidPermit No. 333

McAllen, TX

881 E. Hidalgo AvenueRaymondville, Texas 78580

Connecting You Since ’52!

Upgrade Now and Soar!1.800.446.203www.vtx1.net

Go from Slow to Full Throttle with1 Gig Internet speeds up to 1000 Mbps!

Restrictions may apply. Eligibility is based on service address. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Experience 1 Gig Internet speeds today!