Nokia launches next-generation platform for location based services in GSM and WCDMA 3G networks


Espoo, Finland - Nokia is introducing the Nokia intelligent Gateway Mobile Location Center (iGMLC) 4.0, a new cost-efficient platform for location-based services (LBS) as part of the Nokia mPositionTM System.  The Nokia iGMLC platform is highly flexible and simultaneously supports both GSM and WCDMA 3G location based services, giving operators a future-proof and cost-effective solution for providing mobile services based on the location of the user. 
 
In the new iGMLC platform, Nokia is also combining its competencies in positioning systems with technology from Cambridge Positioning Systems (CPS) to provide a comprehensive state-of-the-art solution.  The platform supports a variety of positioning technologies for both GSM and WCDMA 3G, including new support for enhanced Cell Identity and Mobile Station-based A-GPS, based on the Secure User Plane (SUPL) protocol.  In addition, it supports Cambridge Positioning Systems' SUPL Matrix for 2G.  Secure User Plane Location (SUPL), which is mobile network agnostic, does not require additional investments in the core and radio network. 
 
The Nokia iGMLC 4.0 platform, including support for enhanced Cell Identity, will be available in the second quarter.  Support for MS-based SUPL A-GPS and CPS' SUPL Matrix for 2G will be available as a software upgrade in the third quarter. 
 
"The new platform offers our customer a cost-efficient means of deploying location based services, as well as excellent scalability and flexibility in terms of capacity and choice of positioning technologies," says Heikki Hemmi, General Manager, Location Business Program, Networks, Nokia.  "The platform supports the entire range of complementing positioning methods, from low-accuracy to high-accuracy technologies.  Also, our collaboration with Cambridge Positioning Systems enables the smooth introduction of totally new position determination technologies, such as Matrix for 2G." 
 
"Nokia and CPS both understand very clearly operator demands for choice and flexibility as they drive towards high accuracy location deployments.  The integration of Matrix into a major vendor platform like the Nokia iGMLC 4.0 underlines the role our technology can play in meeting both current and future needs to support profitable location based services," said Chris Wade, CPS Chief Executive Officer.  "CPS believes SUPL is the simplest and most cost-effective route to high accuracy.  Matrix is particularly suited to this new open standard due to its ability to offer high and robust accuracy, all-area coverage and fast location fixes in a software-only implementation."
 
With the Nokia mPosition System, mobile operators can build a complete end-to-end system for Location Based Services, while supporting both legacy and LBS enabled handsets.  The Nokia mPosition System offers a modular, extensible and scalable platform that operators can use to provide their mobile customers with managed access to LBS services. 
 
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. www.nokia.com.
 
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