Dec 06/Jan 07

Orange has joined fellow-mobile network providers in offering a full GPS-based satellite navigation solution to UK customers. Its all-in-one solution is being provided in association with navigation specialist Webraska.

The out-of-the-box package includes a Bluetooth GPS receiver, a car cradle, in-car charger and lifetime licence to use the navigation software. The one-off price for the complete bundle is £150.

There are ongoing charges too. As is usual with Webraska's "thin-client" approach to mapping, the actual maps (from Navteq) are held on a remote Webraska server and downloaded to the user's mobile on demand when routes are requested. The downloads are charged at standard pay-as-you-use data rates.

The map data includes both UK streets and a wide range of hotels, restaurants, parking and other useful points of interest, to which users can request routes.

Webraska Navigation is available for five common mobile phone operating platforms, and is said to be compatible with a wide range of existing BlackBerry, Nokia, Sony Ericsson and HTC/SPV Smartphones and PDA phones.

Users can also take advantage of real-time traffic information for an additional annual charge of £27.59. And maps for all of Europe are available for a further annual charge of £27.59.