Orange Slovensko Taps BroadForward to Enable Location Services

Orange Slovensko has announced the implementation of the BroadForward GMLC for location services. The replacement of the legacy system with the BroadForward location services technology enables Orange to provide fast and accurate location information to emergency services such as law enforcement, fire & rescue, and emergency medical services, making it easier for them to respond to critical situations.

Emergency calls can be directed to the nearest public-safety answering point (PSAP), which reduces time to action which is crucial in live or death situations. The GMLC platform has gone live in Slovakia and is currently in full operation.

The BroadForward Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) is a cutting-edge solution that enables seamless communication between emergency services and the mobile network. The GMLC provides Orange with functionality required to support geo-location services according to OMA standards. The BroadForward solution offers support for 2G, 3G and 4G and soon 5G. The combination of a powerful GUI based interface with its on-board signaling intelligence has made it possible for Orange to extend the standard location services with the ability to provide location information of inbound roamers, something that would normally not be possible with traditional GLMC solutions.

With the BroadForward GMLC, emergency services can quickly locate any mobile device, even if the user doesn't have an internet connection or an app installed.

This is made possible by the GMLC's ability to check the geo-location of the device as long as it is connected to the mobile network. All that is required is a straightforward 112 query, and the GMLC will immediately provide the necessary location information independent of the mobile network the user is on.

Tomáš Palovský, Chief Corporate & Brand Reputation Officer - Orange Slovensko, commented, “The deployment of the BroadForward GMLC greatly improves emergency services ability to respond to critical situations. Orange is committed to providing its customers with the best and reliable service, and the implementation of the BroadForward GMLC delivers a future proof product that not only works in 2G, 3G and 4G but also in our high-speed 5G network in the near future.”

Taco Schoute, CEO of BroadForward added “We are proud that Orange Slovensko selected the BroadForward GLMC to provide emergency services with fast and accurate location information. In combination with our GMLC’s on board service intelligence we are even able to provide emergency services with location information of foreigners roaming into the country. Unlike many other GMLC solutions, the BroadForward GMLC product provides a clear roadmap towards 5G, which provides operators and governments with the long-term certainty that is vital for these types of applications.”

Orange Slovensko (OSK) is a leader in providing complex telecommunications services and the largest mobile operator in Slovakia. Its focus is on providing convergent digital services for households and businesses that make life easier for customers and at the same time motivating them to use the services responsibly.