From Nairobi, Airtel Kenya has announced a partnership with Gecko Landmarks Ltd. to launch the market’s first text-based location service using landmarks.
According to a Capital FM report, the mobile phone operator is the first to introduce a service of this kind, one that links up with popular landmarks to deliver accurate location information. This information can be shared by users via SMS short code.
Airtel Kenya Managing Director Shivan Bhargava is quoted in the report as saying, “”This innovative and unique service that enables our customers to locate their friends, family and loved ones through SMS from their Airtel SIM card is yet another demonstration of our commitment to improving the lives of our Customers through convenient and relevant mobile solutions.”
Customers can access the service by sending a text message with the word ‘find’ followed by the relevant phone number to be located writes Capital FM. The service is said to be free of charge until 30 September 2013.
Speaking on behalf of Gecko Landmarks, CCO Osmo Korri told the publication that the company is proud of the partnership and of the service being rolled out in Kenya.
In terms of security, it is reported that the service works on the basis of users providing consent and also being provided with regular updates on who is attempting to locate them.
Staff Writer
