As new mobile devices come to market that support location-based services, network operators increasingly favor solutions that are based on Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) protocols. Helping ensure compatibility, Andrew Wireless Solutions, the CommScope Inc. division that is a global leader in communications systems and products, is successfully supporting handset vendors’ SUPL-capable devices through interoperability testing on the Andrew Geometrix® SUPL Location Platform, paving the way for wireless operators to reliably integrate location-based services into their networks.

“Interoperability of handsets is critical for the success of any SUPL-based application,” said John Baker, vice president, Technical Marketing, Wireless Network Solutions, Andrew. “To ensure this critical interoperability and to provide maximum flexibility to our Geometrix SUPL Location Platform customers, Andrew initiated a comprehensive handset testing program more than a year ago. The program is available to any handset vendor wishing to test its devices for interoperability and, to date, most major handset vendors have participated. Our work in this area will help speed development and implementation of location based-services that will benefit consumers and businesses.”

Secure User Plane Location is a streamlined alternative to the Control Plane location method, a network-level means used in all previous location systems for finding callers. Control Plane location systems interconnect with the equipment that comprises and operates wireless networks and the signaling systems within the network. For example, when a 911 call is placed, Control Plane location systems calculate the location of the caller and forward this information to emergency responders—a reliable but less direct way to locate wireless devices.