ITIS Delivers New Traffic Information Service Using Anonymised Signal Data From Over 17 Million Mobile Devices for Navigation Systems in Germany

MUNICH, March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Get where you're going quicker with ITIS in partnership with Telefonica O2Germany: It is now possible to analyse and predict traffic flows on streets much more precisely. To achieve this, anonymised mobile location data from the O2 network will be supplied to ITIS, a world-leader in traffic-processing technology who will use proprietary and patented processes to generate high quality speed and flow information across all roads in Germany. The BMW Group will be the first carmaker to use the new PrecisionTraffic(TM) technology in its vehicles as part of their pan European traffic service which was awarded to MILE Traffic and Travel GmbH of which ITIS is a shareholder.

Standard navigation devices are already using the traffic message channel (TMC), which transmits traffic jam reports to them via FM frequencies. Up until now, however, such information came from GPS, fixed sensors, police reports, or individuals who voluntarily reported on the traffic. The disadvantage of such sources is they do not provide enough data to create the accurate traffic information service the German driver demands.

ITIS PrecisionTraffic(TM) in partnership with O2 overcomes those limitations. Using anonymous signalling data generated at the network level, over 17 million probes are used in the new service. As a result, traffic congestion can be detected as it happens. Because the traffic information is transmitted in real time, the best possible detour can be recommended to every driver. The new system can be tried out in all new BMW models starting in September. Additional customers are expected to follow later on.

Cellular data provides far greater coverage than any other data source including GPS and fixed sensor data. More roads are covered with far higher accuracy and the information is available far quicker than any other source. "This is a huge advantage over navigation devices that do not use our data," said Johannes Pruchnow, Managing Director Business at Telefonica O2 Germany.

Because O2 considers the location information to be confidential customer data, the entire system was scrutinised and approved by Germany's federal authorities for data protection. Continuous anonymisation and encryption algorithms that change regularly make it impossible to draw inferences from individual customer information.

"ITIS is excited to be partnering with Telefonica O2 to launch our PrecisionTraffic(TM) service in Germany which complements our leading service in the UK" said Stuart Marks, Chief Executive of ITIS Holdings plc, the parent company of ITIS Deutschland GmbH. "We believe that we can offer German drivers the best traffic information service available based on ten years of investment and R&D in the use of cellular data."

ITIS PrecisionTraffic(TM) will be available in Q2 2011 and is targeted at carmakers, navigation software suppliers and the public sector such as local and federal government.

ITIS is exhibiting at this year's Cebit Exhibition in Hannover. Visit them in Hall 7, Stand C28/9. You can find additional information about ITIS on http://www.itisholdings.com.

You can find additional information about O2's Financial & Enabling Services at http://traffic.de.o2.com.

Notes to Editors:

The members of MILE are ITIS, Mediamobile (part of the TDF Group) and Infoblu (part of Atlantia/Autostrade Group) who are the leading traffic information providers respectively in the UK, France and Italy. MILE was formed to combine expertise, technology and local knowledge in the respective markets and will make the new pan-European traffic service available under the Precision Traffic brand which is already operating successfully in the UK. All three companies have worked with the BMW Group since 2002 and in that time have built up a deep understanding of its requirements.

Please see full press release: http://www.mileurope.com/MILE_BMW_RELEASE_11_12_09.pdf and related BMW Press release http://goo.gl/6jUsE

Further information:

ITIS Deutschland GmbH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ITIS Holdings plc, a world-leading in the provision of traffic information technology. ITIS has depoyed their technology across the globe including Australia, Singapore, South Africa, Ireland, Belgium, Costa Rica, China and the US. In addition, ITIS delivers traffic information to BMW, Mercedes, Toyota/Lexus, Ford, Renault, Jaguar-LandRover, Porsche, the BBC and Sky Television amongst others.

    
    David Levine
    t +44(0)161-9273600
    e dlevine@itisholdings.com