Security Associates International Inc. (SAI) and Airbiquity Inc., a location technology company that delivers global positioning system (GPS) data to wireless networks, will offer a new service for portable, GPS-based, handheld (battery) location technology using existing, mass-market wireless phones. The new service, called StreetSafe, will offer customers personal security services through SAI’s Telematics Command Center.
The center offers a variety of location-aware services for consumers and enterprises that can be used with the existing base of Nokia-brand wireless phones compatible with the GPS Accessory. Both companies say the GPS Accessory is retrofittable to more than 40 models of wireless handsets in the worldwide market today. With the battery attached to a Nokia phone, high-accuracy GPS information is sent over any TDMA, CDMA, GSM or AMPS wireless network nationwide during the voice call.
This implementation enables StreetSafe to be deployed by attaching the GPS Accessory to the phone and making a call to SAI’s Telematic Command Center over the major wireless networks, including AT&T Wireless, Cingular Wireless, Verizon Wireless and more.
SAI says its dealers will begin selling the GPS Accessory and the StreetSafe service this month in all 50 states. The GPS Accessory product is expected to retail for $99, with StreetSafe services ranging from $14 per month to $16 per month.