Simcom and CPS integrate location technology into 3G mobiles

August 4, 2005

Shanghai Simcom (Simcom), a Chinese mobile enterprise, announced plans to integrate Cambridge Positioning Systems's Matrix high accuracy location technology into a range of devices for GSM, 3G/W-CDMA and TD-SCDMA markets.

Cambridge Positioning Systems (CPS) will work with Simcom, a subsidiary of SIM Technology Group, to enable a range of terminals for use with vehicle, asset and personnel tracking for both Asia Pacific and European markets. This will be the first time that Matrix has been utilized for a product based on TD-SCDMA - China's own standard for 3G/W-CDMA technology.

The two companies will also collaborate on joint marketing of the Matrix-enabled devices to operators worldwide - a move welcomed by Chris Wade, CEO of CPS. "Simcom is typical of a new generation of fast-moving ODMs who want fresh innovation and quality technology to build and drive market share. They recognize the growing demand for high accuracy location as an enabler for profitable services in the enterprise market - as a precursor for wider usage by consumers. The fact that this deal extends into W-CDMA highlights the long term nature of our relationship and our ability to deliver Matrix to meet current and future needs."

Shanghai Simcom's core business focuses on the design, development, manufacturing and distribution of mobile handsets for use by leading brands, SKD/CKD Turnkey Solutions for mobile handsets and GSM/GPRS modules for wireless communications applications.

Since it was founded in 2002, Simcom has grown rapidly to become a leading wireless communications enterprise with a staff of hundreds of senior engineers. In 2004, Simcom successfully developed over a hundred new mobile handsets models including built-in cameras, color-screen SMS and MP3 functions. As a result, it was recently awarded the "2004 Fastest Growing Enterprise in China Mobile Market" by the influential China Centre of Information Industry Development (CCID).

"Introduction of Matrix high accuracy location technology to Simcom's technology platform will further enhance the competitiveness of our client's products and strengthen our position in the development of TD-SCDMA in the China market," says Simon Wong, Executive Vice President of SIM Technology Group who is responsible for the sales and marketing of the Group.

The integration of CPS's Matrix location technology enables any handset or device to be rapidly located to an accuracy of sub-100m in GSM - and less than 50m in W-CDMA networks. The modules use the existing GSM/W-CDMA network infrastructure to transfer location information to the network using standard GPRS or SMS. This greatly reduces deployment costs traditionally associated with high accuracy mobile location technology.