MapQuest : Send Maps to Cell Phone

One reason I use Yahoo Maps is its ability to send directions to the mobile phone via text messaging, a feature which I along with many others, would like to see Google Maps install.

MapQuest has taken the Maps2Phone service one step ahead with its new “Send to Cell” service that lets users create detailed driving directions and maps then send them to any web enabled cell phone.

MapQuest’s “Send to Cell” features include :

• Users can create maps and driving directions utilizing advanced routing options (shortest time, shortest distance, avoid tolls, avoid highways), reverse directions and multi-point routing from the MapQuest.com site, and send the complete information to their cell phone.
• They can access the 15 million points of interest, places, driving directions and business listings from the MapQuest database and deliver the results to their mobile device, with “right-sized” maps and other mapping capabilities, including pan and zoom functions.
• The service automatically detects if a user is a MapQuest® Mobile subscriber and delivers the best browsing experience.
• Users can easily access the maps and directions sent to their phones via a text message containing a URL link.

MapQuest is not charging a fee for the service, although mobile carriers may charge a text message fee. According to Greg Sterling, MapQuest is however looking at different options for monetizing the service through mobile advertisements.