KPN launches mobile location-based services trial

location based services

Dutch operator KPN has launched a trial with location-based services (LBS) on mobile phones. The trial offers local information services such as traffic updates and train times of nearby train stations to mobile phone users. The services, called i-locate, are offered to i-mode users in a ten-month trial. The services use mobile antennas to pinpoint the user's location and requires the user's permission before the service can be offered. During the trial, KPN will study the technology as well as the take-up by customers. In a pre-trial study, 84 percent of respondents were interested in location-based services. KPN works with several content partners for the trial.