Singapore Trials E-OTDSingapore Trials E-OTD

High-accuracy location-based services trialed by the Singapore government over network provided by SingTel and CPS

November 27, 2002

2 Min Read

SINGAPORE -- Plans to launch wireless high accuracy location-based services for the rapidly expanding Asia Pacific GSM market have taken a major step forward following successful initial trials in Singapore. The trial, the most extensive of its kind in the Asia Pacific region, is supported by the Singapore Government through the Infocomm Development Authority's (IDA) "Wired With Wireless" programme. In particular, the IDA seeks to develop and encourage new wireless technologies and applications in Singapore and the region via the Pilots & Trials Hotspots (PATH) scheme under the programme. A key aim is to highlight how location technologies like E-OTD (Enhanced Observed Time Difference) can deliver far higher accuracy than Cell-ID-based systems, currently in use in the region, and support a broader range of applications. Users tested a range of innovative applications - including buddy-finder, points of interest services, fleet management and PDA-enabled applications - running across an E-OTD enabled network jointly set up by SingTel Mobile and Cambridge Positioning Systems Ltd (CPS). Once in the Tampines trial area, officials from trial sponsors, SingTel Mobile and other trial users, were able to pinpoint users with an E-OTD enabled phone. One application involved using PDAs, Bluetooth and GPRS connections to simulate an ambulance service manager tracking the location of his vehicles at accuracy levels far superior to Cell-ID technologies. Mr Hui Weng Cheong, SingTel Mobile's Vice-President (Consumer Products) commented: "Singtel Mobile was the first operator in Singapore to offer location-based services. The services have proven to be very useful and popular with our customers. We have been looking to enhance our existing applications and for higher accuracy positioning technology. This trial project provides us with a good opportunity to evaluate the feasibility of the E-OTD technology and the potential for high-accuracy applications." It is intended that further trials involving a wider range of applications will begin before the end of the year. SingTel Cambridge Positioning Systems

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