Mobile phone users can locate a close-by restaurant, chemist, bank or cinema now that Cable & Wireless Optus has launched Australia's first range of sophisticated location-based services on its Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) service, Optus Networker.

Finola Thompson, General Manager Mobile Internet and Data, Cable & Wireless Optus said that location-based services allow consumers to get information easily and quickly when they are on the move.

"When you're out and about it is very useful to be able to find a bank, service station or supermarket close by," she said.

"This service is also perfect for travellers. You can drive into a town like Bathurst late at night and use your WAP phone to find a hotel, a restaurant and a golf course," Ms Thompson said.

Optus' location-based services work by identifying the mobile phone user's location within the mobile phone cell area. This is matched with the postcode and a directory produces a list of the closest relevant businesses in the nominated postcode area.

"The service automatically determines the location of a customer to a specific cell. This is a real breakthrough compared to some other services which require the customer to type in the postcode of the area they want to search - which in turn requires them to know the postcode," she said.

With directory content provided by Terrasoft, Optus Networker users can choose from over 140,000 individual entries covering all state capitals and major regional centres in Australia.

"This gives Optus Networker customers access to the widest range of directory services on offer. We have also linked our location-based services to other WAP content such as movies listings to give our customers even more choice," she said.

"If you need a doctor or dentist, Optus Network has a total of over 50,000 healthcare professionals listed on its service. Using location-based technology your phone will list three doctors in the same postcode area as you," said Ms Thompson.

Optus will continue to add content to the directory service in the future.

For more information:
Louise Ingram
Cable & Wireless Optus
Tel: 02 9342 5042