Europe : Camiant announced that Vodafone Hungary has successfully deployed Camiant's Multimedia Policy Engine (MPE) in record time. This is the first deployment of a 3GPP Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF)* compliant system in a Vodafone network. The implementation, which was completed in four months, was a component of Camiant partner Starent Networks' (NASDAQ: STAR) packet core deployment, providing Vodafone Hungary with the ability to ensure that their subscribers have the highest QoS (Quality of Service) over its broadband network.

Camiant's MPE, using 3GPP compliant interfaces in conjunction with Starent's ST-40 high capacity platform, provides Vodafone Hungary with dynamic bandwidth control for users that exceed their monthly limits. Traditionally, mobile operators have charged overage fees or stopped users from further using the network when they exceed a monthly usage cap. At Vodafone, Camiant's MPE enforces a moderated bandwidth level for these users but only during peak hours. This allows Vodafone's 3G users to get maximum value from their service but not at the expense of other users on the network.

"Mobile broadband is a critical part of our growth strategy," said Péter Török, Mobile Broadband Senior Manager of Vodafone Hungary. "Camiant's MPE technology allows us to differentiate our 3G services in the market, giving us a great competitive advantage and enables us to assure that our subscribers have the best possible end-user experience."

"A key part of Camiant's success comes from the privilege of working with visionary customers such as Vodafone, Comcast, Cox Communications, Sprint and many others," said Ed Delaney, President and CEO of Camiant. "Vodafone is recognized as a worldwide leader in mobile networks. Camiant's collaboration with Vodafone Hungary is an important step as mobile broadband matures from early adoption to a mainstream, high volume service."

"Because of policy servers' importance in tying bandwidth and application usage to subscriber accounts, and allowing fixed and mobile networks to more effectively allocate bandwidth to subscribers, devices, and applications, policy servers are fast approaching 'must-have' status," said Jeff Heynen, directing analyst for broadband and video at Infonetics Research. "Vodafone's decision to deploy a live system using Camiant's MPE is a strategic decision on their behalf and further supports our findings that the incremental cost of a policy server platform is well worth the capital outlay, especially in mobile networks, where broadband data usage is soaring among HSPA providers."

Camiant's Policy Control Server, fully compliant with 3GPP's Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) specifications, is an essential component of the broadband network, providing vital real-time intelligence and management of network resources, while creating an infrastructure for new revenue opportunities