SingTel launches first location tracker service in Singapore

Damian Koh | Nov 27, 2008

(Credit: SingTel)

SingTel has rolled out what could be the first location tracker value-added service (VAS) in Singapore.

Dubbed Locator, the telco's new VAS lets subscribers track up to three SingTel postpaid numbers on a map with an accuracy radius of between 50m and 500m. Besides a monthly fee, a WAP or GPRS-enabled handset is required for the service which will incur data charges when the map is downloaded or when the user is accessing the IDEAS WAP site. Consent will also be needed from both parties, though there's an option for a user to temporarily hide his location or opt out from someone else's Locator list.

The service relies on the triangulation of the cell ID to give an approximate location, so the handset will need to be switched on and connected to the GSM network. This is similar to phones with support for Assisted-GPS where users are able to get a quick general location fix while waiting for the GPS chip to connect to the satellites for pinpointing the position of the user.

SingTel is currently offering a free one-month subscription for new users who sign up before the end of this year. The service costs S$5.35 (US$3.84) per month.

Filed under: Mobile Phones
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