Sandvine Publishes Best Practices for Preventing Fraud and Revenue Leakage When Implementing Zero-Rated Data Plans

Participating in CRTC hearing on "differential pricing practices related to Internet data plans"

WATERLOO, ON, Oct. 31, 2016 /CNW/ - Sandvine, (TSX:SVC) a leading provider of intelligent broadband network solutions for fixed and mobile operators, today published two new whitepapers that explore the revenue assurance and fraud prevention challenges faced by communications service providers (CSPs) looking to implement zero-rated data plans.

Differentiated Internet offerings are rapidly emerging globally and many of these new services use zero-rating (unlimited usage of certain applications or content bundled into fixed price data plans) to achieve the innovation. While many service plans that incorporate zero-rating have been deployed in emerging markets, increasingly Sandvine has observed this application zero-rating spreading to more developed markets.

To support this growing trend within the industry, in May of this year, Sandvine published a whitepaper discussing the best practices for operators interested in implementing zero-rated and sponsored data plans, as they relate to Network Neutrality concerns. The two new Sandvine whitepapers published today build upon those initial best practices to discuss the challenges of fraud and revenue leakage that can sometimes occur when implementing subscriber services that feature zero-rating.

In addition to the two new whitepapers, Sandvine is the only network solution provider that has been invited to share their insight on the topic of zero-rating at the Canadian Telecom Regulator (CRTC)'s "Examination of differential pricing practices related to Internet data plans" hearings that are taking place in Ottawa this week. Sandvine is presenting on Monday, October 31.

"Sandvine believes that differentiated subscriber services that feature zero-rating provide more choice for subscribers, and are becoming an important basis of competition between service providers," said Don Bowman, Chief Technology Officer, Sandvine. "Sandvine is proud to be able to share our experience in implementing zero-rating plans with both the CRTC and the industry as a whole."

For CSPs interested in learning more about overcoming the fraud and revenue leakage challenges that can be encountered when implementing zero-rated data plans, Sandvine is hosting a webinar on December 13, 2016 entitled "Best Practices for Application Zero-Rating". The webinar will discuss how CSPs can leverage Sandvine's experience and technology to implement zero-rated offerings that both grows revenue and minimize revenue leakage. Those interested in attending can register at sandvine.com/webinars.

Canadian CSPs can also learn more on this topic by visiting Sandvine at the Canadian ISP Summit from November 7-9 in Toronto, Ontario.

ABOUT SANDVINE

Sandvine's network policy control solutions add intelligence to fixed, mobile and converged communications service provider networks, to increase revenue, reduce network costs and improve subscriber quality of experience. Our networking solutions perform end-to-end policy control functions, including traffic classification, policy decision and enforcement. Deployed as virtualized network functions or on Sandvine's purpose built hardware, the products provide actionable business insight, and the ability to deploy new consumer and business subscriber services, optimize and secure network traffic, and engage with subscribers.

Sandvine's network policy control solutions are deployed in more than 300 networks in over 100 countries, serving hundreds of millions of data subscribers worldwide. www.sandvine.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this release which are not historical facts constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements") and are made pursuant to the "safe harbour" provisions of such laws. Statements related to the scope of deployment of Sandvine's products by a specific customer, the potential revenue opportunity with any particular customer or in any market segment, the benefits of Sandvine's products and services to be realized by customers, Sandvine's market position, future opportunities, product development plans and demand for Sandvine's products and services are forward looking statements, as are any statements relating to future events, conditions or circumstances. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve both known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Sandvine to differ materially from the results, performance, achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, changes in internal deployment strategies or plans by specific customers; the growth of broadband internet usage and levels of capital spending on broadband network management systems; the timing of orders and manufacturing lead times; changes in customer order patterns or customer mix; insufficient, excess or obsolete inventory; increased competition in the broadband network equipment industry; dependence on the timely development and market acceptance of new product offerings and standards; rapid technological and market change; manufacturing and sourcing risks including dependence on key suppliers and key technologies; dependence upon indirect channel sales and resellers; factors such as business and economic conditions and growth trends in the broadband network equipment industry and in various geographic regions; global economic conditions and uncertainties in the geopolitical environment including the impact of regulation related to the internet and the delivery of internet services. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions, and Sandvine does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should assumptions related to these plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions change, except to the extent required by applicable law.

SOURCE Sandvine

INVESTOR CONTACT: Rick Wadsworth, Sandvine, [phone] ext. 3503, [email protected]; MEDIA CONTACT: Dan Deeth, Sandvine, [phone], [email protected]