Location Business Summit 2012 - Operators' point of view

While there were few operators participating to Location Business Summit 2012, their point of view was discussed by TCS and Vodafone at panel.

Kristian Nylund, CEO, TCS stated that precision of network-based positioning is enough for 90% of the applications and services and handset- / application-based location can be spoofed easily for iOS and Android. He thinks that operators can differentiate themselves from OTT players with the use of network-based positioning with services like secure location (or shadow authentication) making sure that right device is being used at right location (no data roaming in China, but only during work related trips like Amsterdam visit).

O2 UK’s Priority Moments platform was brought to topic a couple of times as an example of successful operator service about location and marketing. It is a platform by O2 providing exclusive offers and special experiences from the brands you know and love, straight to your phone. Another service example was a service from a French operator which allows subscribers to be able to see the last known location of their lost phone on map. It is said both services is working at Cell ID level.

Maybe because of lack of wider contribution by operators, I heard nothing about Cell ID + TA based positioning but only Cell ID based positioning. Vodafone stated that their solutions like fleet / asset management or family finder is Cell ID based.

In response to privacy related questions, Vodafone told about their opt-in subscriber positioning permission database. If the subscriber is not asked about his preference before, he is getting an SMS when he’s about to be positioned by a service / 3rd party. He is positioned only if he replies to the SMS to confirm the positioning.

After Vodafone mentioned about their own SUPL server implementation, Google’s and Apple’s SUPL servers was taken to the discussion by the participants, noting that operators cannot use their own SUPL server with iPhone.

When it is asked, Vodafone was giving Mobile Analytics empowered by their large user base with segments like device, age groups etc as the next revenue source.

Analytics issue is highlighted by Qubulus too, giving Euclid Elements and Path Intelligence as example companies.


See also

• first part of the Location Business Summit 2012 posts.
• Location Business Summit 2012 - indoor positioning
• Location Business Summit 2012 - Location based advertising and augmented reality