From Mobile Media

Third-party-hosted mobile location systems could soon become a reality with the introduction of the soon-to-be-approved Secure User Plane Location standard and a greater willingness by some operators to outsource their network geography information.

The use of SUPL means location servers will no longer have to reside in cellcos’ networks. The server will communicate directly with mobile devices via an IP link – rather than traditional control-plane architecture requiring modifications to core and radio networks – to implement MLS solutions.

Meanwhile, in what could mark a new trend for operators, Orange UK recently announced that it will outsource its network database with information on the whereabouts of base stations and cells, making it available to any third parties willing to pay for the data. The move will help break the cellco-dependence of network-based location-service providers, enabling them to host services independent of carriers.

See also:
Dueling Architectures: Control plane vs. User-plane, Which is right for you? (PDF)
Heise's SUPL-Standard soll Handy-Ortung voranbringen (in german only)