Mobile operator safeguards its service for existing and visiting customers with nimble network management solutions from Arieso

Newbury, UK, 2nd August, 2012 – This summer, Telefónica UK (which operates under the O2 brand) is working with Arieso, the world’s leading provider of customer centric, location aware network performance solutions, to enable rapid response to dynamic network conditions, and ensure a positive experience for both existing customers and those visiting the UK for the Games. Using Arieso’s location-aware technology, ariesoGEO, O2 has greater visibility of its network, including a precise geographic understanding of the voice and data demand within the busy regions.

As London deals with an influx of over a million visitors this summer, O2 recognised the need for a quick and effective approach to managing network performance during the Games. O2 has bolstered its existing network and rolled out new infrastructure around the specific locations that are encountering the highest levels of voice and data traffic.

Using ariesoGEO, O2 is monitoring the network beyond traditional cell-based analysis. The solution uses a polygon mapping approach to give the operator a view of the network down to specific building and device resolution, providing O2 with a granular analysis of hotspots and bottlenecks, and an ability to identify dropped and blocked call locations and causes. This understanding of exactly which areas and what devices are putting the most pressure on the network is helping O2 prioritise its network resources, and making immediate adjustments to optimise performance.

Prior to the Games, O2 identified the core network areas where ariesoGEO can be used to analyse network performance. These include the areas around major event arenas, accommodation and transport hubs. ariesoGEO is providing O2 with a near real-time analysis of customers’ experience throughout London to ensure consistency of service across the capital.

The solution provided by Arieso enables O2 to focus resources on key activities, including:

• VIP subscriber troubleshooting
• Corporate client troubleshooting
• Device-based performance analysis
• Roaming performance analysis

“This Summer, we have a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the superb service levels that our customers have grown to expect, unhindered by the volume of users on the network,” said Richard Owens, O2’s Regional Manager Mobile Access London. “Key to providing this level of service during the event will be the speed and agility with which we will be able to react to changing demands on the network. ariesoGEO enables us to monitor the network in near real-time, where possible react immediately, and then ensure an improved service across the remainder of the event.”

“It’s great to be working with O2 to ensure that it meets what is both a challenge and a high profile opportunity,” said Shirin Dehghan, CEO, Arieso. “From our experience in supporting mobile operators during busy times, such as the Lions tour of South Africa in 2009, the FIFA World Cup in 2010, and the US SuperBowl and World Series in 2011, we are excited to once again demonstrate the value of ariesoGEO at times of significantly increased network pressures.”

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About Arieso

Arieso is the world's leading provider of customer centric, location aware solutions that enable mobile network operators to focus their business on the evolving desires and experiences of their customers. The company's solutions locate, store and analyse data from every call, providing operators with a rich source of information to boost network performance and enrich user experience. This same detailed insight which transforms the effectiveness of Radio Network Capital Planning and Performance Engineering opens new possibilities for Customer Experience Assurance and Geomarketing.

Arieso’s proven carrier grade solutions are robust, reliable and highly scalable. Operating on five continents, Arieso’s clients include mobile operators such as América Móvil, MTN, Portugal Telecom, Telefónica O2, Vodafone and leading equipment vendors including Alcatel Lucent, Ericsson and NSN.

For more information on Arieso, visit www.arieso.com

About Telefónica UK (O2)

• Telefónica UK Limited is a leading communications company for consumers and businesses in the UK, with 23.3 million mobile, fixed line and broadband customers as at 31 March 2012.
• Telefónica UK Limited is part of Telefónica Europe plc, a business division of Telefónica S.A. which has 103 million customers. Telefónica Europe uses O2 as its commercial brand in the UK, Ireland, Slovakia, Germany and the Czech Republic, and Movistar in Spain.
• Telefónica UK employs around 11,000 people in the UK and has 450 retail stores.
• Telefónica UK launched its sustainability plan for people and planet in February 2012. The company has announced that over the next three years, it intends to help one million young people develop new life skills and save 4 million tonnes of carbon emissions. See www.o2.co.uk/thinkbig/blueprint
• O2 is the naming rights partner of The O2, the world-class entertainment venue.
• O2’s UK 2G mobile network provides voice and data services which are available to 99% of the UK’s population.
• O2’s UK 3G (HSPA+ 900 / 2100 MHz) network currently provides voice and high speed data services to over 84% of the UK population, with speeds of up to 42.2 Mbps in major cities.
• O2 was the first UK operator to deploy a 4G/LTE trial network which has demonstrated peak speeds of over 100Mbps to a mobile device.
• Telefónica Europe also owns 50% of Tesco Mobile, which operates in the UK and Ireland, and 50% of Tchibo Mobilfunk in Germany.
• For further press information about O2 go to www.o2.co.uk/news