Using a temporary mobile subscriber identity (TMSI), a UK company called Path Intelligence has shown they can track consumers and show where they spend the most time and proved that the longer people spend in shops, the more they spend.

The Path Intelligence FootPath™ system consists of a small number of discreet monitoring units installed throughout the center.

The units measure signals from the consumers’ mobile phones using unique technology that can locate a consumer’s position to within 1-2m. The units feed this data (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) to a processing center where the data is audited and sophisticated statistical analysis is applied to create continuously updated information on the flow of shoppers through the center.

For the people that are worried about having a uniqe ID attached to their phones, and in the long run no longer being an “anonymous consumer”. Phones on the network are given a TMSI number which is assigned by a locations base station, as you move out of one coverage area to the next, the TMSI number changes.  So, in theory, they can’t figure out just who is what phone.  Though with an accuracy of 1-2 meters and time logs.. you can correlate location with charges made and figure out who someone is that way (anything is possible anymore).

But there are good sides to this technology and use.  The system could also be useful for researching the layout of train stations, airports, shopping centers, etc.  This system ould also be used to find contraband phones in jails and prisons.