This paper analyzes the accuracy of the multilateration techniques of possi
ble application in mobile communications networks, A general mathematical f
ramework including all the multilateration techniques that process absolute
and/or relative distance measurements between the mobile station and multi
ple base transceiver stations is introduced. Based on this scheme, a genera
l measure of positioning accuracy is first derived and then analyzed in the
special cases defined by three techniques of possible implementation in GS
M-based systems. A geometrical interpretation of the formulas that define t
he location accuracy and a comparison between the techniques from the geome
tric conditioning point of view are also given.