VANCOUVER, British Columbia—Canadian operator Telus Mobility launched two handset-based Global Positioning System services developed by Networks In Motion. Telus said its new Navigator and Kid Find services are now available using the carrier’s CDMA2000 1x coverage area in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.
The Navigator service directs cell phone users to locations via real-time audio and turn-by-turn directions, according to Telus. The service costs $10 per month plus a one-time 50-cent download fee.
Kid Find is aimed at parents who want to be able to locate their children. Telus explained that users can map out the location of a handset using a phone or a computer. The company said privacy concerns are protected by the use of secure pass codes and mandatory permission requirements.
Telus’ Kid Find is available on certain Telus handsets for $5 per month for unlimited usage, plus a one-time 50-cent download fee.
Telus has about 4.7 million wireless subscribers across Canada and said it expects to roll out its GPS services nationwide in the future.
Navigator and Kid Find will soon be available on a wider selection of Telus handsets.
Telus joins a number of carriers in offering GPS location services.
