OMTP Recommendations Give Direction to Location Services

London, UK, 14 March 2008, The OMTP (Open Mobile Terminal Platform) http://www.omtp.org, the mobile operator sponsored organisation today revealed its latest document ‘OMTP Positioning Enablers’ that defines the platform and interface requirements to enable efficient location based services for GSM/WCDMA handsets and devices.

 Location based services (LBS) are quickly becoming part of everyday life most often through a SatNav device in vehicles. However, SatNav services available on your mobile handsets provide users with more than mapping and directional information. Businesses use it to optimise workforce deployment and entertainment providers are using it at concerts and events to help the public locate the nearest toilet or food outlet.

 The new recommendations address privacy and accuracy of locations as well as focussing on ‘assisted GPS’, which takes away some of the difficulty associated with GPS (time to first fix, built up areas etc.) on mobile devices.  The location of a user is extremely sensitive information and it must be protected from possible abuse by malicious applications whilst enabling the best Location Based Services for mobile customers. The enablement of a software switch to protect a user’s location is a simple method to give the user control over this important and sensitive data.

 Tim Raby, MD, OMTP commented, ”GPS applications are quickly becoming integrated into our everyday lives. As operators and others look to launch new location based services, these latest recommendations pull together the key hardware and software that will enable these services across mobile platforms and devices. Our aim is to ensure that mobile subscribers can make use of these highly valuable Location Based Services, whilst at the same time giving them peace of mind that they can continue to safeguard their privacy. The take up of this recommendation will also increase the efficiency of lower end GPS handsets which is a value add for operators and manufacturers alike.”

 The recommendations are available at http://www.omtp.org/publications.html.

About OMTP

OMTP is a forum funded by companies from across the mobile phone value chain, set up with the aim of simplifying the customer experience of mobile data services. OMTP is backed by many of the largest mobile operators and serves the needs of every link in the mobile phone value chain by gathering and driving mobile terminal requirements. The group defines requirements that enable mobile devices to have a standardized application interface and consistent user experience across multiple devices. OMTP recommendations benefit carriers, content providers, middleware vendors and handset manufacturers to develop open and compatible mobile devices.  For more information, visit http://www.omtp.org.