Airtel launches GPS navigation on mobiles

New Delhi, July 12: One of the leading telecom service providers,Bharti Airtel in collaboration with Sweden-based Wayfinder Systems ABtoday launched GPS based navigation application on mobile handsets.

The application turns the compatible mobile phone into a completeGPS-based navigation system with detailed maps and points-of-interestof a number of cities in the country.

The system will provide all users with continuously updated,real-time content and geographical data via the wireless network usingEDGE/GPRS, the company said in a statement.

To start with, the application shall be available on BlackBerry8800. The Airtel users can avail map information and area coveragedetails of the cities - Delhi and NCR, Bangalore, Mumbai and NaviMumbai, Thane, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Chandigarh.

''We are now introducing in India, a state-of-the-art GPS basednavigation system that will largely benefit all frequent travelersusing compatible mobile handsets like BlackBerry 8800,'' Bharti AirtelChief Marketing Officer (Mobile Services) Sanjay Gupta said in thestatement.

Airtel users also have the option to purchase map information andarea coverage details of Europe and North America onwww.airtel.mywayfinder.com.

Bharti Airtel is offering a six months free trial for all itsAirtel BlackBerry 8800 users. As per the offer, the customer will nothave to pay any subscription charges on the application during thisperiod. However, data download charges will apply as per thesubscriber's BlackBerry plan.

To download the application, Airtel BlackBerry 8800 users need tosend 'NAV' as an SMS to shortcode '3636'. For detailed terms andconditions, additional information on the application, downloadinstructions, and usage details, Airtel users can log on towww.airtel.in by applying 'Premium SMS' charges, the statement said.

UNI