RF Pattern Matching Technology Added to 3GPP’s 3G UMTS Specifications

Polaris WLS™, a Patented Implementation of RF Pattern Matching, Delivers the Best Network-Based Location in Dense Urban and Indoor Environments

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Polaris Wireless, the global leader in high-accuracy software-based wireless location solutions using Radio Frequency (RF) Pattern Matching, announced today that the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards organization has technically endorsed RF Pattern Matching technology for incorporation into its 3G UMTS specifications. The endorsement was made by the Radio Access Network (RAN) Work Group 2 on UMTS during the recent 3GPP standards meeting in Madrid.

“The decision to incorporate RF Pattern Matching into the 3G UMTS specifications is needed for all service providers wanting to provide the highest-SLA option for LBS as it gives them more credible options for public safety and commercial applications”

RF Pattern Matching is now a recognized unique location method in standards that provides carriers and OEMs with the ability to offer high accuracy location-based services that traditionally haven’t been available with low-accuracy Cell-ID based technologies. RF Pattern Matching will be incorporated into Release 10 of the 3G UMTS specifications, expected to become final in late 2010 or early 2011. This will also set the stage for opportunities to incorporate RF Pattern Matching into LTE and other future air interfaces.

“The decision to incorporate RF Pattern Matching into the 3G UMTS specifications is needed for all service providers wanting to provide the highest-SLA option for LBS as it gives them more credible options for public safety and commercial applications,” said Manlio Allegra, president and chief executive officer at Polaris Wireless. “This level of LBS accuracy will create an improved user experience for wireless customers, which ultimately generates additional revenue streams for carriers and other enterprises offering LBS applications.”

Polaris WLS™ is a patent-protected implementation of RF Pattern Matching, which provides the best network-based location performance in urban and indoor settings and is a perfect complement to A-GPS, enabling a best-in-class hybrid solution. Polaris’ WLS™ works without the RF Pattern Matching definition in standards, but standardization through 3GPP allows for future performance enhancements and provides flexibility for the solution and carrier implementations. Polaris’s current WLS products will continue to operate within existing standards.

By being included in the 3G UMTS standard, Polaris’ location technology has received further validation as one of the most accurate in the world. Polaris will now be considered a preferred provider to Tier 1 carriers and infrastructure vendors who want to add a high accuracy location solution to their technology mix that meets the new 3GPP standard.

The FCC is currently considering new E911 Phase II regulations that would improve indoor location capabilities for first responders. Using RF Pattern Matching, Polaris’ WLS™ software solution enables carriers and OEMs to be prepared to meet these new FCC requirements with little or no investment in new infrastructure or hardware.

About Polaris Wireless

Polaris Wireless is the global leader in providing high-accuracy, software-based wireless location solutions to wireless operators, law enforcement/government agencies and location-based application companies. Since 2003 Polaris has been successfully deploying the only software-based, high-accuracy location solution that meets FCC E911 Phase II requirements. Polaris has participated in location committees and other groups within the 3GPP and OMA standards setting bodies. It also actively participates in regulatory and industry bodies related to E911, lawful interception and location-based services. Polaris is backed by venture capital funds Draper Fisher Jurvetson, ePlanet Ventures, Draper Richards and Palisades Ventures. For more information about Polaris Wireless, please visit http://www.polariswireless.com.