Using fading to improve accuracy of Cell ID based mobile positioning algorithms

Positioning of users in mobile networks is generally seen as the next major advancement in development of mobile communications. Operators and service providers look forward to increase their revenues by offering location dependent services. Successful implementation will require methods for locating mobile that are cost efficient and offer sufficient accuracy. Solutions available today do not offer this. Cost effective solutions based on Cell ID are missing accuracy, solutions that offer sufficient accuracy are extremely costly to implement. In this article we propose simple, but effective method to improve accuracy of Cell ID methods by using fading phenomena that is an integral part of mobile communications. According to simulation and field tests this method can increase positioning accuracy of Cell ID method 2-3 times.