NCT Implements Emergency Notification Service to Enhance Broadcast Reliability

In an effort to prevent future broadcast disruptions, NCT, a cable television provider based in Niigata Prefecture, has successfully integrated a cloud-based notification service called "Cue Call". This initiative aims to ensure that critical alert emails are never overlooked, particularly during late-night and holiday hours when staff availability is limited. The introduction of Cue Call forms part of a robust strategy following a notable incident that occurred in September 2025, involving a freeze of broadcasting equipment, which highlighted the vulnerabilities in their alert monitoring system.

The Challenge: Overwhelmed by Alerts

NCT has been utilizing the monitoring software "Zabbix" to track its broadcast equipment and has relied on alert emails to notify staff of any anomalies. However, the organization faced a significant challenge: the sheer volume of emails, including many that were of minor importance, caused critical notifications to often be missed. With a dedicated, yet limited, team operating 24/7, the risk of overlooking important alerts during off-hours became a critical issue. In September 2025, a significant broadcast incident triggered by equipment failures not only caused interruptions but also necessitated a report to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications due to the missed notifications.

The Decision: Prioritizing Security Over Cost

In selecting a solution, NCT evaluated multiple notification services, initially considering lower-cost alternatives. However, after recognizing that these options did not meet the organization’s internal information security standards, they opted for Cue Call. This decision was grounded in the belief that a reliable service with strong security credentials should be prioritized over budgetary concerns. The service had to fulfill several criteria, including:

- Certification by third-party organizations such as ISMS and Privacy Mark
- Demonstrable operational history and reliability
- Secure data storage and backup within domestic servers

The Outcome: Achieving Zero Missed Alerts

With Cue Call now in place, the service automatically detects alert emails that pose risks for broadcast incidents and initiates a sequential phone call to registered team members until someone responds. In addition, SMS notifications are sent out simultaneously to ensure no communication lapse occurs. The benefits include:

- Eliminating the risk of missing alert emails as a collective team effort
- Reducing the burden on staff members who no longer need to monitor emails constantly, especially during off-hours
- Swift response to potential emergency scenarios, preventing automatic switches to erroneous live feeds due to misdetections

The efficacy of this preventive measure has garnered favorable reviews during inspections conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, verifying the enhancements made in operational safety and reliability.

About Cue Call

Cue Call is a cutting-edge cloud service that automatically calls designated personnel upon receiving specific emails. It utilizes keywords within the email subject and content to determine the urgency and necessity for human response. Should no one answer, the system continues to dial the next designated contact until successfully connected, allowing for immediate action and streamlined communication processes. Launched in 2017, the underlying technology of Cue Call is patented (Patent No. 6244057).

- Visit the Cue Call Service Page: Cue Call Website
- Broadcast Industry Promotional Page: Broadcast Campaign Site

Company Overview of NCT

Company Name

NCT Co., Ltd. (NCT)

Headquarters

1-7-9 Hibariga, Nagaoka City, Niigata, 940-0032, Japan

Established

December 15, 1986

CEO

Michio Imaizumi

Business Services

General Wired Broadcasting Services under the Broadcasting Act; Telecommunications Services under the Telecommunications Business Act

URL

NCT Website

Company Overview of WideTec

Company Name

WideTec Co., Ltd.

Headquarters

4F Itopia Iwamotocho Bldg. 2-11-2 Iwamotocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0032, Japan

CEO

Koichiro Lee

Established

December 25, 2000

Business Services

Information processing services (development and provision of proprietary products, design, and construction of IT infrastructure, security systems, etc.)