Telecom operators are uniquely positioned to offer geolocation services, thanks to their direct access to core network infrastructure. Elements like the Gateway Mobile Location Centre (GMLC) and Enhanced Serving Mobile Location Centre (E-SMLC) already enable accurate location retrieval without relying on user-side technologies like GPS. These existing capabilities can support a wide range of valuable use cases today.

The Service Delivery Platform (SDP) acts as a key enabler, bridging network functions with service applications. It enforces policy, exposes secure APIs, and integrates location data into broader workflows—efficiently and at scale.

Below are three practical use cases where geolocation services, combined with the SDP, deliver tangible business and operational value:

Emergency Location
In emergency scenarios, accurate and timely location data is critical for directing response teams. The E-SMLC provides precise location estimates based on radio network data. The GMLC serves as the centralized gateway, managing location requests and routing them securely to authorized public safety applications. The SDP enforces access policies and exposes standardized APIs to integrate location delivery into emergency response systems with minimal latency.

Location-Based Advertising and Campaign Targeting
Enabling targeted advertising by leveraging real-time or historical subscriber movement patterns. The GMLC captures precise location events, which the SDP processes by applying necessary policies and securely routing the data to marketing platforms. This allows advertisers to deliver context-aware promotions while respecting user privacy and consent.

Fleet Management and Asset Tracking
Supporting real-time tracking of vehicles, shipments, and field personnel by leveraging network-based location capabilities. The E-SMLC delivers accurate indoor and outdoor positioning, while the GMLC serves as the central gateway for accessing this data. The SDP facilitates seamless integration with logistics platforms, ensuring secure, policy-compliant access to location information for operational visibility and efficiency.

Conclusion

These use cases highlight just a few of the opportunities available to MNOs through the intelligent use of existing geolocation capabilities. With infrastructure like GMLC, E-SMLC, and SDP already in place, the potential to deliver high-value services is well within reach. It’s now up to operators to unlock this value—by turning core network assets into differentiated, revenue-generating solutions.