Cellcom Partners With Vasona Networks for Better App Performance When Mobile Data Traffic Overloads Cells

SANTA CLARA, CA--(Marketwired - Jun 20, 2014) - Vasona Networks, Inc.®, a provider of platforms for mobile network capacity, resource management and intelligence, today announced its work with Cellcom to improve mobile broadband performance. The Wisconsin-based operator has deployed both the Vasona SmartAIR™1000 edge application controller and SmartVISION™ analysis suite to gain real-time visibility of network congestion and improve the overall mobile broadband experience when cells are overloaded. During periods of congestion, Cellcom realizes more than 30 percent improved bitrate performance for video and web browsing, and a 35 percent reduction in mobile service latency.

Consumers want more from their mobile broadband experiences and expect to be able to stream media and browse the Web with no hiccups or issues. Cellcom has long been dedicated to providing extraordinary customer care and wanted to meet growing subscriber demand for excellent mobile broadband experiences while maximizing the potential of its network. It was particularly important that the video experience be improved for subscribers. By working with Vasona Networks, Cellcom helps subscribers reduce or avoid the "spinning wheel" waiting experience when accessing media.

"We examined several options for RAN optimization and were impressed by how well the Vasona Networks edge application controller and analysis suite could meet our requirements for real-time cell congestion management, faster web browsing, improved video streaming and a reduction in latency," said Robert Riordan, executive vice president and director of corporate development for Cellcom. "After initial deployments in a handful and then hundreds of cells, the outcome was so successful that we rolled out the Vasona Networks solution across our network."

The Vasona SmartAIR integrates between the mobile network core and the RAN (radio access network), where it assesses when and how congestion occurs in each cell. It also examines the characteristics of all contending application sessions at that moment and determines how much bandwidth each needs for smooth performance. If any cell on the network becomes congested, the SmartAIR takes action to manage service quality.

Vasona SmartVISION provides both real-time monitoring of live operating conditions and analytical reporting about cell performance trends. It identifies issues impacting performance and customer experiences while they happen, and helps guide investment based on trends in use of cells and their resources. SmartVISION also facilitates centralized management of the SmartAIR1000.

"Cellcom benefits substantially by deploying the combined SmartAIR and SmartVISION solution to improve subscribers' mobile broadband experiences," said Biren Sood, CEO of Vasona Networks. "Quality of experience has become the new battleground for mobile operators and Vasona Networks is dedicated to innovations that differentiate experiences of their customers doing more than ever on the go."

About Vasona Networks
Founded in 2010, Vasona Networks, Inc. works with global mobile network operators to achieve better mobile broadband experiences. The company's pioneering edge application controller, the SmartAIR™1000, and the SmartVISION™ analysis suite, elevate operator capabilities to deliver better subscriber experiences on 3G and 4G networks, and to understand network activities for better long-term planning. The technology is based on comprehensive perspective of all data activity within every cell at any time. The company has received investments from Bessemer Venture Partners and New Venture Partners. Vasona Networks is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, with offices around the world. For more information, visit www.vasonanetworks.com.

About Cellcom
Cellcom is an innovative wireless company that provides nationwide service for its customer base throughout Wisconsin and Michigan, with nearly 70 retail and agent locations. Cellcom is respected for its long-standing reputation of delivering extraordinary customer care, being a strong community partner, and for its renowned network, which is customized to its rural markets. As a subsidiary of Nsight, Cellcom is part of a family of companies offering complete telecommunications services.