July/Aug 2004

A Spanish developer, GCT Iberia, is the latest to announce plans to develop tracking devices using Matrix technology from UK company Cambridge Positioning Systems.

Matrix is a software solution. It uses GSM-related tracking technology, but aspires to greater accuracy than cell-site location alone by using a "network timing model". This is built up from anonymous handset reports across the mobile network. When a specific mobile needs to be located, it is referenced against this model to work out its position.

GCT plans to create a range of services and devices, which will be marketed under its Tekel brand. It says they will be designed to fit into a pocket or the palm of one's hand, and will deliver sub-100 metre accuracy across all environments, as well as providing very rapid location fixes. They will target both vehicle and personal tracking.