Enjoy location based services on Aircel without a GPS enabled handset

Aircel plans to offer its 2G and 3G subscribers better location based services and to get real time tracking, navigation information and information services while on the move, without the need to buy a GPS enabled phone from next month.

Aircel, has selected Ericsson to provide the mobile positioning systems for its subscribers. Through these services subscribers will be able to find nearby restaurants or gyms, the fastest route home, or keep track of children or the elderly with a tracking service. Enterprises could also use the services for effective resource management.

Mallikarjun Rao, chief technology officer, Aircel, said "There is huge potential in offering this value- added service to our consumers. Most Indians spend on average 90 minutes per day on the roads; location-based services will definitely increase efficiency and enhance the quality of their life."

Ericsson's Mobile Positioning Systems (MPS) will offer advanced Location Based Services (LBS) to Aircel subscribers and can support several positioning alternatives for GSM and WCDMA(3G). This ranges from network-based methods (using cell tower based information), which will be available to all users, to more accurate terminal-based methods (in phone/device capability) using GPS positioning for people with GPS enabled phones.

Aircel already offers 'pocketfinder' service which helps users find places of interest nearby such as petrol pumps, ATMs, hospitals, restaurants etc. However, with this new deployment these services will be expanded and their accuracy improved.