Deploying traffic information service applications in any type of cellular networks

Location is a strategic asset of cellular network providers. Location based mobile services are a new type of wireless communication service that exploit the knowledge of the mobile terminal´s location, enabling many innovative and useful applications for the mobile terminal users. In this study, we present an architecture and the corresponding application for supporting the transmission of road traffic information to mobile users. A detailed investigation of the signaling load for any type of cellular network (GSM, GPRS, UMTS) takes place trying to utilize the position information that is recorded in the cellular network provider databases for resource management or billing purposes. Robust and flexible services can be accomplished by transferring LBS applications to IP networks by using the active network technology.