Softbank to add Skyhook location into femtocells

27 September 2011

Skyhook’s location technology will be embedded in upcoming Softbank Mobile femtocell devices.

SoftBank Mobile said in a statement:

SoftBank Mobile needs to be able to accurately identify the precise location of these devices. Knowing the devices’ location will increase efficiency in installation, maintenance and service which will increase customer satisfaction.

“SoftBank Mobile can more quickly and efficiently deploy this exciting new technology, because Skyhook’s ground breaking technology can automatically and accurately position the location of base stations across environments,” said Yoshihito Shimazaki, Deputy Division Head, Mobile Solutions Division of SoftBank Mobile.  “The addition of precise location information to these base stations will also enable SoftBank Mobile to deploy new and useful services to SoftBank Mobile customers in the future.”

Skyhook fulfills hundreds of millions of location requests every day across over 100 million handsets, tablets, netbooks, cameras, and other mobile devices. Skyhook’s  system combines Wi-Fi, cellular, and GPS readings to produce a location.

“SoftBank Mobile is known as the innovative leader of the mobile operators in Japan,” said Michael Shean, founder and senior vice president, business development, Skyhook. “We’re seeing an increased interest in location-based services from carriers, like SoftBank Mobile, who are demanding superior location accuracy and availability for their clients.”