In 2011, the total population of subscribers to GPS-enabled location-based services will reach 315m, up from 12m in 2006, according to ABI Research.
That represents a rise from less than 0.5% of total wireless subscribers today to more than 9% worldwide.
Regions of greatest growth will be North America and Western Europe, says ABI, which expects 2007 to see an increasing number of 3G phones with GPS chipsets on board – and “at least one additional operator will be offering GPS-enabled LBS in Europe starting late in 2006”, with four
more major operators in Europe following suit next year.
ABI expects GPS-enabled LBS to lead subscribers to use more 3G data services, and thus to drive overall 3G handset sales.
more major operators in Europe following suit next year.
ABI expects GPS-enabled LBS to lead subscribers to use more 3G data services, and thus to drive overall 3G handset sales.