Traffic reports to derive from cellphone location data
by Darren Murph 
posted Nov 6th 2006 at 1:42PM
Intelligent roadways and traffic monitoring systems have been available (albeit not always entirely accurate) for some time now, but if IntelliOne and AirSage have their way, finding out about real-time roadblocks (and voyeurism lawsuits) could become a more fleshed-out reality. The firms are looking to utilize that oh-so-telling "anonymous" location data from each traveler's cellphone to pinpoint locations and overlay that information with maps. If wireless companies open up that data at a rate of "twice per second" while users are conversing and "once every 30 seconds" when not on a call, the entrepreneurial duo hopes to offer more detailed information and pragmatic advice than "radar, helicopters, or cameras" currently do. While keeping a keen eye on traffic developments certainly has its benefits, the real issue here is privacy (or the lack thereof); while government uses have already been in place, carriers are (understandably) more hesitant to turn over consumer data for locating purposes. While the service would be marketed free of charge to wireless carriers, interested customers not enraged by such intrusions could purchase the data for a monthly fee, and if all goes as planned, the Tampa pilot that is currently ongoing will lead to "40 other markets" being invaded by this time next year.[Via The Wireless Report]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Larry Levine @ Nov 6th 2006 6:26PM
I have and idea- instead of investing time and money in traffic reporting - invest it in traffic eliminating. Larger highways, etc...
Chris @ Nov 6th 2006 7:49PM
Larry:
1. Yeah, becasue that's worked so well for LA, Atlanta, DC, etc.
2. This is a private investment and has nothing to do with the government.
3. The more info the better. Drivers can avoid slow traffic areas thus improving traffic in those areas by dispersing traffic more evenly (hopefully people will decide to not even drive at all).
Jorge @ Nov 7th 2006 10:07PM
Sounds cool :)
dan @ Nov 8th 2006 2:38PM
larry larry larry --where to build? which to expand? You have to know where people are currently on the road [in traffic] in order to spend best on expansion. Traffic btw is not the same as congestion, which perhaps they will measure by lack of or slow speeds gleaned from multi-ping'ing individaual cellphones.
Yes, Info the more the better.
Steve @ Nov 8th 2006 3:00PM
Hasn't anyone seen the GM commercial? They can drive above the traffic! That has to get rid of a few million commuters...
I think we can nip this traffic issue in the bud. Let's all ride bikes to work! Much roomier, and good for the heart.