MWC: LBS is the future for mobile ads says CDG chair

by: admin Tuesday, February 12th, 2008

Rating: Mr CDMA´s observations on GPS and ads

I´ve always found Mr CDMA – aka Perry LaForge – extremely good value for money when it comes to industry observations. And he had some pretty interesting things to say about mobile advertising. LaForge describes the mix of GPS with cellular telephony as a good platform for mobile advertising.
Over here in Europe it´s easy to view industry developments with ´GSM-tinted´ glasses. But cdmaOne based network operators have already launched some valuable LBS (location based services) apps. LaForge himself uses one to receive turn by turn driving instructions thanks to 3G and GPS. He believes that such services could readily be tied into mobile advertising. LaForge is probably right because if you ask for directions from A to B, having searched for a restaurant, for example, the network already holds crucial information about you as a subscriber. And sending you targeted ads while you drive, makes perfect sense. Oh, and if you´re wondering why he´s in town for a very W-CDMA orientated show, Perry LaForge revealed that he´s being talking to handset vendors about sub $20 handsets. Black and white, but – hey- that´s still impressive for a 3G mobile phone.