From Silicon.com.
Orange has unveiled a new cell triangulation service for their GSM network to locate devices with what they claim is greater accuracy than GPS. While Cell ID wouldn’t be more accurate than GPS in an open field, I think what they’re driving at is that GPS doesn’t work well in built-up areas or indoors, where the handset can’t see the GPS satellites. Their Cell ID system can get a location as long as the device has GSM service. Cell ID is also cheaper and easier to deploy.
Orange is claiming a 550m accuracy for their Cell ID service, which is good enough for many applications.