Airvana Increases Mobile Broadband Capacity and Performance with EV-DO Release 8.0

CHELMSFORD, Mass., Nov. 25  Airvana, Inc. (NASDAQ:AIRV) , today announced delivery of the latest release of its EV-DO Rev. A software. Release 8.0, which is now generally available, allows operators to increase the capacity and performance of their mobile broadband networks through a software upgrade of their existing radio access network equipment.

Airvana's EV-DO Release 8.0 addresses growth in mobile broadband data traffic in several important ways. By enhancing the Radio Network Controller (RNC) load balancing function, Release 8.0 ensures that the resources within the radio access network are distributed to serve smartphone and data card traffic in an effective manner. In addition, this release also optimizes the way network "control messages" are transmitted, so the existing infrastructure can handle more devices, call activity, and in-session user mobility. Radio network performance enhancements in Release 8.0 also result in higher data rates for users in weak signal areas.

EV-DO Release 8.0 will be available to operators through Airvana's newly-established relationship with Ericsson. Ericsson recently acquired Nortel's CDMA business and LTE assets in North America and Airvana's agreement with Nortel was assigned to Ericsson as part of the acquisition. "We look forward to a long and successful relationship with our new partner Ericsson," said Randy Battat, CEO, Airvana.

Airvana's Release 8.0 software is available now for new EV-DO network deployments and also as a software upgrade for existing networks. The general availability of Release 8.0 software begins an upgrade billing cycle for Airvana beginning in the fourth quarter of 2009. The delivery of EV-DO Release 8.0 also triggers a revenue recognition event for Airvana in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2009 as planned.