The Kantar Media service will collect viewing data through around one million Foxtel set-top boxes installed in Australia.

Foxtel Media will access the data using return path data technology from Kantar Media’s software unit. The technology incorporates data validation, processing and capping.

Mark Frain, chief executive, Foxtel Media, said: “The Foxtel Group has access to data from over one million set top boxes and more than 3.1 million streaming customers, and we’d be negligent if we leave this data idling for another minute. That is why we’ve engaged Kantar Media to process and analyse viewing data from the true scale of set top boxes being used in Australia. We’re looking forward to delivering new insight into our audiences to aid media planning.”

The service, available for Foxtel Media’s clients from the start of December, will offer understanding of Pay TV consumption and subscriber behaviour.

Keld Nielsen, senior director, Kantar Media, added: “We are excited to explore new opportunities to serve the Australian media industry, unlocking further opportunities to integrate and enrich more data sources in the future.”