The Service's upgrade was approved after extensive testing of data accuracy via the Open-Internet. After passing these tests, the upgrade was made official on October 20, 2008.

Anastas Daskalov, Director of Operations for Global Minds explained "As the Service Broker for Metro Vancouver's RTK GPS Service, we are confident that this upgrade will allow more open access to the Service, allowing Subscribers to select the wireless carrier and data plan of their choice."

The Service provides access to centimetre-level horizontal and vertical positioning in Real-Time throughout the Metro Vancouver Area. The Service is operated and marketed under agreements with GeoBC's Crown Registry and Geographic Base branch (CRGB) and Metro Vancouver.

Kutalmis Saylam of CRGB elaborated "Under the agreement with Metro Vancouver, we have invested a significant effort to ensure that the Service's Active Control Points are CAT-1 certified and integrated into the Metro Vancouver high precision network. We are confident that the Open-Internet access will only increase the appeal of the Service to all present and future subscribers."

George Liu P.Eng, Metro Vancouver's GPS coordinator, who performed the extensive Open-Internet testing, explained "Wireless coverage varies with cell phone companies, and I am pleased that users now have the freedom to choose their own wireless network providers according to their coverage needs. With the increase in service accessibility over the open-Internet, more people will realize the value in our state-of-the-art high accuracy positioning service."

City of Vancouver's Dan Parker, B.C.L.S. noted "The service is highly reliable, accurate, and a huge productivity improvement for our field team. It is great to have the ability to evaluate any wireless provider and be able choose the one that best provides consistent, reliable coverage in our area as well as offering a service plan that best meets our business needs".

Media contact:
Anastas Daskalov
Global Minds Incorporated
Vancouver, BC Canada
604.675.2000
http://www.ilmb.gov.bc.ca/bmgs/products/geospatial/bcacsm_MV.htm