A SIM-card based A-GPS system has been successfully tested by EMT, Estonia's largest mobile operator. Developed by BlueSky Positioning the A-GPS technology is completely embedded in the mobile phone's SIM card.
The tests were conducted using both GPRS and USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Services Data) for retrieving assistance data in a live 3G network. EMT Estonia is the first network operator to test a USSD connection for assistance data, which allows BlueSky Positioning's A-GPS solution to be used with ordinary mobile phones, even if the model does not support GPRS. Using USSD brings with it a number of benefits such as the ability to be used concurrently with a voice call. Future testing will cover a wider range of handsets and scenarios including various weather conditions, in urban and rural landscapes and using entry level handsets and smartphones.
Running parallel to this testing, new services and business models will be finalised in readiness for a mass market launch by EMT.
For more on this story:
- go to Cellular News, European Communications and Telecomredux
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