Recurring revenue, no upfront costs: why cloud video surveillance is an ideal business for ISPs

More than a billion surveillance cameras are already in operation around the world — and the number continues to grow. People, businesses, and governments are increasingly willing to pay for fast, convenient access to video from anywhere. In this landscape, cloud-based video surveillance — with no need for local infrastructure or hardware installations — is quickly emerging as the new standard.

At Flussonic, we believe this is exactly the kind of service ISPs are well-positioned to offer. It can be deployed quickly, requires minimal investment, and delivers clear commercial value. In this article, we’ll look at how to launch it, why it makes business sense for ISPs, and what kind of financial upside it offers.

What Is Cloud Video Surveillance?

Cloud video surveillance eliminates the need for the end user to install servers, manage storage, or hire IT personnel. With just a camera and a stable internet connection, everything else — recording, storage, live streaming, and access control — is handled by the cloud platform, with connectivity provided by the ISP.

Cloud Surveillance

For the ISP, there’s no need to build a full cloud infrastructure from scratch. A simpler and more efficient path is to use a third-party platform that provides secure archive storage, administrative access for the operator, and mobile and desktop apps for subscribers. The ISP sets the service price, manages customer billing, and retains full control of the client relationship.

The Flussonic cloud surveillance platform is one such example. It offers:

✅ high-performance video servers and scalable storage; ✅ a web interface for the operator and mobile apps for end users; ✅ surveillance cameras that connect automatically — no port forwarding or complex configuration required; ✅ an API for integrating with billing, CRM, and other service management tools.

Most importantly, it’s ready for immediate launch under your own brand. All you need to do is sign the agreement, connect the cameras, and pay a monthly platform fee. Everything else — from architecture to applications — is already in place.

Why Cloud Surveillance Makes Sense for Modern ISPs

You’re already set to launch

Most ISPs already have the infrastructure and workflows in place to add surveillance to their portfolio: ✔ A reliable physical network and last-mile access;
✔ Field technicians familiar with installing connected devices;
✔ An existing subscriber base — residential and business;
✔ Experience with subscription-based services — internet, IPTV, VoIP, intercoms;
✔ A support team already handling service inquiries.

Adding cloud surveillance is a natural extension of what you already do.

You unlock recurring, predictable revenue

Unlike one-off equipment sales, cloud surveillance generates ongoing income:

💰 Stable monthly revenue. 📈 High margins and low customer churn.
⬆ Higher ARPU (Average Revenue Per User).
📉 Stronger customer retention through bundled services.

If a business subscriber is already paying $200 per month for internet, adding $50 for surveillance is a practical and efficient step. Managing everything through one ISP simplifies operations for your customers — and increases their reliance on your services.

Already selling CCTV? Here’s the financial comparison

Many ISPs already provide conventional surveillance — installing cameras and NVRs with local access. This approach is familiar, but the numbers speak clearly: cloud revenue scales faster, even in the short term.

📦 NVR (One-Time Sale)

A typical package:

That’s it. The client pays once and walks away. Ongoing support, updates, and maintenance are on you — with no stable or recurring income in return.

☁️ Cloud (Recurring Model)

Same customer, same cameras:

16 cameras × $70 = $1,120 → 15% margin = $168

Add cloud service:

That’s nearly double the revenue in just the first year.

And if the customer stays for three years?

3 × $384 + $168 = $1,320

That’s 4 times the one-time model — with lower effort and ongoing engagement.

Moreover:

Who benefits most from cloud video surveillance?

Cloud surveillance fits naturally into a variety of real-world use cases:

🏪 Small businesses — cafés, salons, offices — who need reliability without technical overhead;
📦 Retail and logistics — where mobile access and responsiveness are essential;
🏘 Residential complexes and property managers, especially when multiple users need shared access;
🏡 Private households — for baby monitoring, home renovations, or second-home security;
🏭 Industrial sites and farms — where wide coverage and remote access are key.

With cloud video surveillance, there’s no need for on-site storage or proprietary hardware. Cameras can be placed wherever needed — the service lives in the cloud.

Why now Is the right time

The market is still open, but demand is already present. ISPs who move now will be well-positioned in:

As adoption grows, late entry will require greater investment. Today, infrastructure is in place, technical risks are low, and the business model is proven.

Getting started

Launching cloud video surveillance doesn’t require major changes:

  1. Choose a pilot — offer the service to a few local businesses and monitor interest.
  2. Select a platform engineered for ISP — for example, Flussonic.
  3. Train your field technician and support team; develop basic customer messaging.
  4. Publish clear service descriptions — Flussonic provides ready-made materials.
  5. Track customer feedback, engagement, and ARPU uplift — not just short-term revenue.

The real question isn’t If — It’s Why Not Yet?

You already have:

No capital investment is required: you pay only for active subscribers. Up to 95% of cameras on the market work out of the box with Flussonic using standard protocols — RTSP, HLS, WebRTC — with no vendor lock-in.

Start with a small deployment and let the model prove itself. Then scale with confidence.

Submit a request on our VSaaS page to receive the offer.