Press Release

Metrico Wireless Expands Mobile Testing Services with Assisted GPS (A-GPS) Performance Testing

New Offering Tests Performance of Technology behind Location-Based Services Applications

Source: Metrico Wireless
10/12/2009

FREDERICK, MD – October 12, 2009 – Wireless industry revenues for U.S. consumer location-based services are projected to surpass $2 billion in the next four years.[1][1] But carriers, manufacturers and application developers won't make a dime if they don't work. That's exactly why Metrico Wireless Inc., a leading provider of mobile testing solutions for wireless devices, is adding Assisted GPS (A-GPS) performance testing services to its comprehensive wireless device testing service portfolio.

Crucial to the timely, accurate response required of E911 services, A-GPS is fast becoming the foundation on which many mobile applications and services, such as social media and location-based advertising, are being developed. The new A-GPS performance testing service complements Metrico’s audio and data testing to ensure that new devices get to market quickly and cost-effectively with the optimal user experience when the users turn them on for the first time.

“The cost to the wireless carrier to manage device testing on their own is exploding as the number of devices in the mobile ecosystem grows. For device manufacturers, the requirements to get new devices certified by major wireless carriers are also growing more complex. Carriers and manufacturers need a trusted partner with the experience and strong working industry relationships to help bring new devices to market, and are increasingly turning to Metrico to assist in these efforts,” said Des Owens, general manager, Metrico. “As a trusted partner, we need to evolve with the needs of the industry, and right now, A-GPS is at the core of many exciting mobile applications.”

The Metrico A-GPS performance testing service is the latest in Metrico’s line of comprehensive wireless performance testing services, which provides analysis of user experience metrics such as audio, data, streaming video and location-based information. Specifically, Metrico’s A-GPS field team tests the accuracy and response time of the device to obtain GPS fixes for E911 and mobile application purposes. These tests are conducted in key markets nationwide.

“Field testing at the device level requires a high level of expertise and familiarity with the nationwide field testing process. A-GPS is no exception,” said Owens. “In partnering with Metrico, carriers and manufacturers worldwide don’t have to worry about the logistics and cost of dedicating internal resources to device testing. They can leave that to us, knowing it’s in the hands of people whose core business is mobile testing.”

“When people hear the term A-GPS, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the FCC E911 mandate to aid in locating a mobile phone user in the event of an emergency. But its capabilities expand far beyond those involving first response,” said Will Stofega, Program Manager, Mobile Device Technology and Trends, IDC. “With location-based services at the forefront of leading mobile applications – like social media and mobile phone advertising as well as emergency services – it is crucial for carriers and OEMs to ensure the A-GPS functions implemented in each of their devices is powerful and reliable.”

The A-GPS performance testing service is available now. Additional information is available at www.metricowireless.com/services/.

About Metrico Wireless

Metrico Wireless Inc. is pioneering the testing of wireless devices through analysis of user experience metrics such as audio, data, streaming video and location based information. Metrico’s patent-pending technologies help ensure that devices not only get to market quickly and cost-effectively but also that they deliver the optimal user experience when the users turn them on for the first time. Leading wireless carriers and handset makers – such as AT&T, Motorola, Nokia, Research in Motion and T-Mobile – rely on Metrico’s solutions to ensure that their handsets will meet and exceed consumers’ expectations. Additional information on the company may be found at www.metricowireless.com.

Press Contact:

Kristen Keller
Calysto Communications
404-266-2060, ext. 26
metrico@calysto.com

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[1][1] Source: IDC, U.S. Consumer Location-Based Services 2009–2013 Forecast and Analysis: LBS Becoming Central to the Mobile Internet and Entertainment Industries, Doc #218250, May 2009.