Jul 20, 1998 12:00 PM,

CDG hopes to spur location technologies: Initial trial results expected in October

Nancy Gohring

Perhaps hoping to stimulate the market for code division multiple access-based location technologies, the CDMA Development Group is coordinating location technology trials among member carriers and vendors. The trials will focus on three types of technologies: global positioning system-based, network-based and a combination of the two.

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The purpose of the trials is to offer CDG members information about available technologies.

"The industry association concluded that it would help expedite service and help carriers gain knowledge about alternative solutions if it opened forums," said Craig Farrill, vice president of strategic technology for AirTouch Communications. AirTouch announced in April that it is participating in a trial with SnapTrack, along with other carriers including Ameritech, GTE Wireless and Sprint PCS.

The CDG hopes to announce trial participants soon and have initial trial results in October, said Jim Takach, advanced systems leader at the CDG.

Some carriers believe they will ultimately implement multiple location technologies. One implementation, which may be network-based and less precise, may serve to meet an FCC mandate, which requires carriers to be able to locate callers within 125 meters. Operators may also implement a handset-based solution, which can locate users more accurately, in addition to the network-based solution to offer enhanced services such as location-sensitive billing and concierge services, Farrill said.

SignalSoft, a software provider that works with companies such as SnapTrack to offer carriers a location solution, believes that location-based billing will drive the market.

"It's an approach to capture wireline minutes as a wireless local loop alternative," said Don Winters, vice president of operations.

SnapTrack called the effort a "non-announcement" because few companies have agreed to participate in the trials. This may be because few solutions exist for CDMA-based location technology, said a SnapTrack spokeswoman.