South Africa's Vodacom has launched Africa's first location-based service using cellular networks, enabling Vodacom contract subscribers to locate any Vodacom cellphone user, provided the user consents to being located.
"Being able to determine the general location of a cellphone has obvious value for family members who may require the peace of mind of knowing where their loved ones are," said Mthobi Tyamzashe, Group Executive - Corporate Affairs of Vodacom.
Cellfind, a wireless application service provider (WASP) to Vodacom, developed the service using technology licensed from a UK firm, MI-International. The UK version of Look4me, known as Mapamobile, has been operational since July 2003 and has enjoyed significant success within the UK market.
The primary concern regarding location-based services is that cellphone users should never be subjected to any invasion of privacy. Look4me ensures that you can never be located without first providing your explicit consent by granting location rights to a specific cellphone number. These safety mechanisms ensure that Look4me complies with all applicable South African legislation and the constitutional right to privacy.
The accuracy of the location information is dependent upon the density of the cellular network for the area in question. For example, the accuracy of a location search in the middle of Sandton could be 120 metres, whereas the accuracy for a location search on the N1 outside Colesburg could be anything from 100 metres to 30km."
Posted to the site on 9th March 2004
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/10797.php