Location-Based Services: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

Location-based services are expected to play an integral role in the mobile-commerce domain. Mobile network operators and service providers have the opportunity to add value and create additional revenue streams through a variety of personalized services based on location of individual wireless users. However, strategic thinking in this area is still evolving. Many issues surrounding location data such as ownership and their use by network operators and third parties, privacy concerns of consumers, and business models for these services are not well understood. This chapter provides (1) an overview of location-based wireless services and their related technologies, (2) an examination of the LBS value chain, and (3) strategic implications for network operators and service providers.