MTN partners with Garmap to deliver GPS navigation service

MTN has partnered with Garmap, the leading provider of satellite navigation and mapping services in South Africa, to provide the next generation of Garmap’s mobile phone navigation applications on the MTN network, using Blackberry smartphones.

Says Sharoda Rapeti, MTN General Manager: Products and Services: “MTN believes in engaging best of breed applications to provide the best possible service to our customers. Hence we have chosen to go with a locally developed solution, Garmap for Mobile Online, as the software application and BlackBerry smartphones as the most suitable device to launch this.”

The GPS navigation service, delivered via Blackberry device, is automatically accessed via a data connection – GPRS, EDGE and 3G HSPA – to download maps, points of interest (POIs) and other useful information.

Because the mobile navigation service offers off-board navigation, with data residing on a central server and not on the device itself, assures users of always having access to the latest maps and points of interest (POIs). This also means that the application uses very little on-board phone memory.

No additional data charges will be levied by MTN for this service, as this is included in the BlackBerry® Internet Service subscription.

Another value adding addition to the service is a web portal that allows users to pre-plan routes and destinations. Additionally, all location favourites stored on the mobile device can be viewed and managed on the web portal.

The service is currently available to new MTN BlackBerry customers and those renewing MTN BlackBerry contracts.