Aquto's Data Sponsorship Platform Launched in Europe -- First in Market With Vodafone

BOSTON, MA--(Marketwired - Oct 30, 2014) - Aquto, the leading provider of sponsored data monetization services for wireless carriers today announced its first European deployment with Vodafone Portugal. The cloud-based service, which has been in market for over a year, has proven to be valuable for the operator, its subscribers and mobile marketers. 

Aquto's service has been highly effective at making the mobile Internet more accessible to all users -- including those without data plans. This is important because more than half of all smartphone users around the world do not have monthly data plans. For users who do have cellular connectivity, many are reluctant to use data to minimize cost. Aquto enables subscribers to experience the freedom of mobile data connectivity by having their mobile Internet data sponsored by some of their favorite brands and apps. This allows operators and brands to engage with subscribers in new and unprecedented ways. 

"Carriers have a wealth of capabilities and we help them harness these capabilities so they can be leveraged by others in the ecosystem," said Susie Kim Riley, founder and chief executive of Aquto. "To provide value at scale, our relationships and integration with global digital marketers, mobile publishers and app developers give us a large catalog of data sponsorship opportunities."

Aquto has brought value to the mobile advertising market by providing a new approach for advertisers seeking to promote their products or services. Thanks to Aquto's deep understanding of the digital marketing ecosystem, combined with their expertise and experience working with mobile operators, Aquto has enabled Vodafone to rapidly roll out a new service that allows the operator to monetize via the mobile ecosystem. The benefits include:

• The ability to quickly and easily launch a mobile data sponsorship service
• A turnkey, cloud-based solution for monetizing OTT (Over-The-Top) players and mobile advertisers
• Management of all aspects of the service including sales and business development of mobile publishers, advertisers and ad networks, operations, billing, support, technology and integration with the carrier OSS/BSS systems
  
  

"Sponsors benefit from increased customer engagement, subscribers receive free mobile data, and the operators are paid for the data in the value exchange," said Riley. "It's a win for everyone."

About Vodafone Portugal
Vodafone Portugal is part of the Vodafone Group, the world's leading international mobile communications group. Vodafone Portugal is a full telecommunications operator offering mobile, fixed, Internet and television services to its customers. It has more than 6 million mobile customers and a leadership position in terms of innovation, brand image and customer satisfaction in Portugal. Visit Vodafone Portugal's website at www.vodafone.pt.

About Aquto
Aquto is the first solution that gives consumers more mobile Internet in exchange for engaging with mobile content. Aquto's operator partnerships include Verizon, AT&T and Vodafone. Founded in 2012 with headquarters in Boston, the company provides businesses a frictionless way to improve the effectiveness of mobile campaigns -- from advertisements to m-commerce and app engagement -- while providing a valuable new service to mobile subscribers. For more information, visit www.aquto.com or follow @aquto on Twitter.