News Summary:

• Spark deploys Cisco Ultra Traffic Optimization (CUTO) software to enhance mobile experience at Rugby World Cup, and prepare its network for 5G
• CUTO software is a cost-effective, easily deployed solution for managing mobile network congestion, and preventing burdensome network renovation

 

San Jose, Calif., and Auckland, New Zealand, – February 25, 2020 – Cisco announced today that Spark New Zealand deployed its Cisco Ultra Traffic Optimization software to improve its mobile network capacity and fan experience at the Rugby World Cup. 

According to the 2020 Cisco Annual Internet Report, mobile connections continue to grow across the globe with a projected 13.1 billion connections by 2023, nearly half of which will be video capable. Video traffic is considered “heavier flow” and can block other kinds of mobile traffic, like e-mail and social media, during times of network congestion. At a major sporting event like the Rugby World Cup, user experience can be greatly impacted if traffic congestion is not properly managed. 

Traditionally, in order to reduce traffic congestion in a radio access network, mobile operators are obligated to boost their network with additional radios and spectrum to remediate the situation. This kind of build out can cost millions of dollars, and cost nearly a year’s time. 

The CUTO software increases radio site capacity and improves quality of experience through instant stabilization, and maximizing per-subscriber throughput. As an added benefit, the CUTO software is fully operational in around two hours preventing a loss of subscribers you might normally see during an extended network overhaul.

"The CUTO solution developed by Cisco on their mobile packet core has provided immediate gains in radio network capacity and performance," said Campbell Fraser, Tribe Leader of Technology, Spark. "We deployed the solution nationwide prior to the Rugby World Cup when the streaming of live games created peaks of network demand. We wanted to maximize the user experience for mobile customers, but also ensure critical services - like voice - were protected.”

“Spark is a leader in delivering live multi-media experiences from a mobile network,” said Kishen Mangat, Vice President and General Manager, Cisco Mobility. “Cisco is pleased to be on the roster of Spark’s technology partners as they continue to push the boundaries of mobile technology and enter the 5G era.”

Supporting resources

• Cisco 5G
• Read the CUTO Whitepaper
• Cisco Annual Internet Report
• For more information about Cisco service provider news and activities, visit the SP360 blog or follow us on Twitter @CiscoSP360 and LinkedIn. 

About Spark New Zealand
As New Zealand's largest telecommunications and digital services company, Spark’s purpose is to help all of New Zealand win big in a digital world. Spark provides mobile, broadband and digital services to millions of New Zealanders and thousands of New Zealand businesses. http://www.spark.co.nz/

About Cisco
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in IT that helps companies seize the opportunities of tomorrow by proving that amazing things can happen when you connect the previously unconnected. For ongoing news, please go to http://thenetwork.cisco.com.

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