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Telmap, which specialises in mobile Location-based Services (LBS), has launched a business package for mobile operators that enables them to bundle local search, mapping and turn-by-turn navigation into customer subscriptions, and to offer the core mapping, navigation and search services for free. It has been developed in relationship with NAVTEQ, the global provider of maps, traffic and location data enabling navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising.

Telmap says the solution offers significant benefits to both operators and their customers. As LBS and navigation are clear value adds to mobile subscribers with GPS-enabled devices, the package offers operators an opportunity to increase customer loyalty and reduce churn on all mobile tariffs by offering Telmap LBS for free to consumers. 

New revenue streams can be generated, however, by offering consumers additional premium services, such as traffic information (including real-time, user-generated information), speed camera locations, micro payments, fuel prices and city guides. Further opportunities include leveraging location based advertising which enables advertisers and local brands to deliver targeted, relevant and actionable offers to consumers. Special offers, coupons and vouchers can be linked to outlets nearby and consumers guided in one click to the retail location, using the Telmap Mobile Location Companion.

Telmap says that mobile operators who commit to the introduction of LBS across their entire customer base will benefit from a heavily discounted rate from Telmap for the basic local search, mapping and navigation features, making it viable to include it free to consumers in all their GPS-enabled handsets.

“Telmap has been a valuable partner to mobile operators for many years, and with this new package, we are confident that they will now be in a great position to better compete in, master and ultimately win a significant share in the Location-based Services marketplace”, says Telmap CEO, Oren Nissim.