A method and system are provided to permit a network operator to capture
transaction data relating to transactions between a subscriber and a
service provider that are conducted via a communications network
established by the network operator, such as a cable television network.
In operation, the subscribers are provided with information relating to
items offered by one or more service providers. The subscriber can
transmit a purchase order. A headend of the communications network
receives and analyzes the purchase order to capture transaction data. If
the service provider is different than the network operator, the headend
also relays a copy of the purchase order to the third party service
provider such that the purchase order can be filled. Since the network
operator has captured information relating to the purchase order,
however, the network operator can charge the service provider and/or the
subscriber for utilizing its network to facilitate the transaction.