Telenor first with local- based mobile services: Now your mobile phone knows where it is

Press release
Fornebu
5 minute read
Telenor will be the first mobile operator in Norway to launch local-based mobile services which offers information based on a users geographical location. The first service to be offered will be the location service Hvor.no available through djuice.no.
The way this service works is that the mobile network identifies the handsets location. In urban areas, this constitutes a margin with a radius of about 150-500 metres. Pinpointing is less accurate in less densely populated areas. The solution will be offered both as WAP- and SMS services, regardless of the particular handset the customer uses.

«This opens up for a whole new series of services. You can for example search for the nearest chemist, supermarket or restaurant, and if youre on the look out for a new washing machine, you can search for the cheapest one in the vicinity. It may also be possible to track down stolen cars and boats. A whole new array of games and entertainment services can be made available», said Director Lars Christian Iuel in Telenor Mobil.

Ericsson main supplier
The solution is based on Ericssons Mobile Positioning System Platform (MPS) with an application platform supplied by Mobilaris AB. The agreement includes system integration and consultancy support from Ericssons Mobile Internet group in Norway.

«We are actively working to advance the development of these services and the market for them. Ericsson has great faith in mobile Internet, and has been dedicated to generating in-depth skill in the area, both in Norway and on an international scale. Developing our positioning system, MPS, in addition to our integration and system competence, is an important part of this strategy», said Director Mikael Kruhsberg in Ericsson AS.

«Telenor Mobil is one of the worlds most advanced mobile operators. We are pleased that the company has chosen Ericsson and Mobilaris as its suppliers, and look forward to delivering a platform which makes it possible to offer a whole range of interesting position based services to Telenor Mobils network users», said Managing Director Bjørn Westerholm in Mobilaris AB in Sweden.


About Telenor Mobil
Telenor Mobil is a company within Telenor Mobile Communications (TMC) and is Norways largest mobile operator. TMC has a customer base of 2.3 million (31.12.2000), and a turnover of NOK 9.1 billion in Norway. Telenor Mobil has 1,300 employees stationed in 20 different locations around the country. The companys aim is to be at the forefront of the development of new mobile communication services while remaining dedicated to the advancement of the mobile Internet through its portal, djuice.no.

About Ericsson
Ericsson is the worlds leading supplier of communication solutions. The companys wide competence within mobile communication, Internet and multiservices, makes Ericsson a force in the development towards mobile, personal and broadband-based Internet. The operation is based on understanding the customers possibilities and needs, and the aim is to deliver the best communication solutions at the right time. Ericsson has more than 100.000 employees in 140 countries.

About Mobilaris
Mobilaris develops and markets an information service middleware and location-based services for mobile Internet. Mobilaris is one of the first companies in the world to fully integrate mobile Internet, mobile communications and GSM positioning technologies into one platform. This platform allows unique possibilities to deliver content and information based on a user's geographical location. Mobilaris was formed in 1999 and has a development centre in Luleå and a marketing office in Stockholm, Sweden.