Estonian operator to launch world's first Network-based location services
Estonian operator to launch world's first Network-based location services - First sale of new Ericsson system Ericsson has won an order from Estonian operator Eesti Mobiiltelefon AS for a total solution, including Ericsson's new Mobile Positioning System. Together with Ericsson, the operator is planning to launch a wide range of location- based services. The first services to be offered are those that position emergency calls originated by mobile phones to '112' rescue centers. Alongside location-based emergency services, the operator will target professional users, followed by other mass-market services. "Eesti Mobiiltelefon chose the Ericsson system, because it can position all GSM subscribers independent of phones or SIM cards, and because the system offers the highest positioning accuracy available on the market," says Peep Aaviksoo, CEO of Eesti Mobiiltelefon AS. "This win actually constitutes a technical and commercial breakthrough for the industry. Ericsson is honored for these deliveries, especially as Eesti Mobiiltelefon have fulfilled their responsibilities to the society, using state-of-the-art technology and progressive management," says Stig Rune Johansson, General Manager, Base Station Services, Ericsson GSM Systems. The Ericsson Mobile Positioning System (MPS) for GSM operators is built on a highly tolerant platform that is capable of using a range of different positioning methods, such as GPS (Global Positioning System), SIM, etc., to provide operators and users maximum service flexibility. The system is especially attractive to GSM operators as they can easily reach 100% of their market and users. The services offered will be even more attractive in combination with GSM Pro (GSM Professional, private radio over cellular networks), WAP phones and speed-enhancing GPRS - making the applications more powerful. Ericsson is the leading provider in the new telecoms world, with communications solutions that combine telecom and datacom technologies with freedom of mobility for the user. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for its customers - network operators, service providers, enterprises and consumers - the world over. Please visit Ericsson's Press Room at: http://www.ericsson.se/pressroom FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Johan Wiklund, Ericsson Corporate Communications Phone: +46 70 560 0134; E-mail: johan.wiklund@lme.ericsson.se Göran Swedberg, Market Manager, MPS, Ericsson GSM Systems Phone: +46 70 205 6009; E-mail: goran.swedberg@era.ericsson.se Ericsson's GSM positioning system Ericsson Mobile Positioning System (MPS) for GSM operators requires no modifications to standard GSM phones or terminals. It includes servers that allow positioning services to be introduced into existing GSM networks. The system works with any standard GSM radio network and all existing GSM phones. A main function of the servers is to translate positioning coordinates. That in addition to deployment for emergency services, fleet management, logistics and stolen vehicle tracking applications, Ericsson expects the system will be used to deliver mass-market services to any GSM subscriber. For example, "where-am-I-guidance", roadside assistance, local news, information and weather reports and 'yellow pages' services. For more information this Ericsson positioning system, see press release at: http://www.ericsson.com/pressroom/Archive/1998Q4/19981105-0039.html Company Information Eesti Mobiiltelefon AS operates a GSM 900/1800 network and an NMT 450 network, covering 98% of Estonia. The company is fully owned by Eesti Telekom AS, which is the owner of the country's largest wireline operator, Eesti Telefon AS. Eesti Telekom AS is a publically listed company, with shares listed at the Tallinn and London Stock Exchange. Sonera and Telia each owns 24.5% in Eesti Telecom AS. ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/10/11/19991011BIT00370/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/10/11/19991011BIT00370/bit0002.pdf