BOULDER, Colo.-SignalSoft Corp., a software developer focused on the wireless location market, found high consumer demand for wireless location services in two market research studies the company conducted.
The studies were designed to determine consumer attitudes about location-based services.
The first survey, conducted with The Strategis Group, asked more than 600 people about demand for location-based services, service preferences, functionality, anticipated usage and associated demographics. The study found 23 percent of current cellular users were interested in location-based information services; 54 percent of current wireless users were interested in location-enabled emergency roadside assistance; and 32 percent of current wireless users indicated they would be likely to switch wireless service providers to get a location sensitive billing plan.
In addition, wireless users estimated they would use location-enabled directory service about 21 times per year, and survey respondents said they would be willing to pay a premium of up to 50 percent above current 411 fees for location-enabled directory services.
The research will be included in Strategis’ Wireless Location Services 1999 report, expected to be released in September.
A separate survey, conducted by Creative Quest L.L.C., consisted of four focus groups-two in Dallas and two in Chicago-of current wireless subscribers.
The participants said local information is important for saving time and feeling knowledgeable and safe in new cities, according to the study.
