Vodafone to offer Google Maps on mobile service

location based services

Vodafone and Google are planning to develop a location-based version of Google Maps for mobile to add to the growing portfolio of internet-based services offered by the mobile operator.

Google Maps for mobile, a downloadable java application, is expected to offer customers in selected markets easy-to-use maps and local listings, as well as local search and navigation capabilities. Customers will be able to have unlimited use of Google Maps for mobile, subject to Vodafone data tariffs.

Google and Vodafone are working together to ensure the service provides customers on selected handsets with an automatic user-location capability.

The announcement comes as Vodafone introduces functionality in various markets to enable its customers to search for and find information they are looking for while on the move, with the integration of Google search technology into its mobile service.

The search service launched in Hungary in December 2006 and is aimed to be rolled out in other key European markets throughout the rest of the year.

Forming part of Vodafone's multimedia portal Vodafone live!, search technology from Google will enable customers to access both on-portal and off-portal sites in the mobile internet.

The integration of Google technology also means an enhanced internet experience, making off-portal pages more accessible and relevant for handset screen sizes. Customers will therefore only be presented with services, such as games, that are compatible with their handsets.