Location services ready for growth: In-Stat
Location-based services (LBS) may finally be ready for growth in the United States, according to high-tech market research firm In-Stat/MDR. "With Enhanced 911 capabilities deployed in many areas and a fast-growing base of subscribers owning location-capable handsets, wireless operators are beginning to turn their attention to addressing the significant market potential for commercial LBS," In-Stat writes in a market alert. "2005 will be a banner year for carrier deployments of LBS, driven initially by the integration of location capabilities into existing services such as mobile web browsing, information applications, and directory assistance. In 2006 and beyond, as the market grows, consumers will begin to see more advanced LBS applications such as user-configured tracking services and location-enabled games." Recent research from In-Stat shows that consumers are interested in location-based services with more than 85% indicating interest in at least one LBS application.

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