Nokia and Radiolinja Sign Agreement for the Development and Delivery of Nokia mCatch Positioning System for Mobile Internet Networks
Oct. 12, 2000--Nokia and Finland-based mobile operator, Radiolinja, have signed an agreement for partnering in development and supply of Nokia mCatch, which enables location based services to be introduced into mobile Internet networks. Radiolinja will contribute RX (Received Signal Strength) Algorithms for Nokia mCatch.
``We have previously been piloting location based services and now with the introduction of services based on Nokia mCatch, we will open up a whole new dimension of applications for the mass market,'' says Mikko J. Salminen Vice President of Technology, Radiolinja.
``Location Based Services will become important as we move towards 3G and the Nokia solution is ideal as it can be scaled to meet increases in demand, and the accuracy needs of enhanced mobile networks.''>
``As networks evolve towards 3rd Generation, services and applications, play an increasingly important role and Nokia is taking the lead together with key players in Mobile Internet and the mobile developer community, stimulating the creation of new innovative applications, now,'' says Matti Lankinen, General Manager, Location Communication Systems Business Program, Nokia. ``We are pleased to sign this agreement with Radiolinja which will enable the rapid introduction of exciting new services next year.''
Nokia mCatch supports open standards and industry forum developments for GMLC (Gateway Mobile Location Centre) application interfaces. It enables Location Based Services for the positioning of all existing GSM phones, using various technologies like Cell ID, (Cell Identity) Timing Advance and RX levels. As part of the Nokia mPosition solution, Nokia mCatch supports different location methods and can be easily upgraded for 3G mobile networks.
Radiolinja will be the first operator to implement GSM-based mCatch. Trials of the system are expected to begin in January 2001.With new Location Based Services, mobile subscribers can access a range of new, exciting services, relevant to their location, such as tourist information, weather and traffic reports, tracking, restaurant and theatre ticket bookings.
Founded in 1988, Oy Radiolinja Ab was the first company in the world to open a GSM network, in 1991. The Radiolinja Group comprises Oy Radiolinja Ab, the subsidiaries Radiolinja Eesti AS, SIA Radiolinja Latvija, Globalstar Northern Europe LTD and Kiinteisto Oy Espoon Keilasatama 5 and the associated companies Onbusiness Oy and Kiinteisto Oy Herrainmaen Luolasto. Consolidated net sales in 1999 came to FIM 3.037 billion and the personnel numbered almost a thousand. |
