Alcatel Adds A-GPS to its Portfolio

Alcatel has signed an agreement to incorporate SnapTrack's SnapSmart Assisted Global Positioning System (A-GPS) wireless location server software into its products for location-enabling GSM networks. The companies will work together to integrate SnapTrack's SnapSmart A-GPS location server software into Alcatel's A-GPS Positioning Server for GSM networks, with a clear migration path to Serving Mobile Location Centers (SMLCs) for 3G.

"Carriers are increasingly interested in staying ahead of the technology curve and deploying technology in a cost-effective way to take advantage of new revenue opportunities. IDC, a leading industry analyst firm, expects that carriers will appreciate the potential of this product alliance," said Richard Dean, program director for IDC's Wireless and Mobile Infrastructure Services research program. "Alcatel is increasing its efforts to develop a presence in another vertical category, this time in wireless location based services. SnapTrack's A-GPS software presents new possibilities for Alcatel to increase its product capabilities, while helping carrier customers achieve their own business objectives."

This partnership completes Alcatel's location-based services offerings. Designed as a forward-compatible solution for 2G and 3G networks, Alcatel's GMLC location server supports different positioning technologies: network centric Cell-ID technology with a precision between 500m and 2 km; terminal centric SIM-Toolkit technology, which is based on enhanced signal strength reach; and A-GPS-based positioning technology.

SnapTrack is a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm.'"

Posted to the site on 16th October 2002