Found the solution:
in the phonegap\MYPROJECT\plugins one must install org.apache.cordova.geolocation and create an appropriate android.json file:
{
"prepare_queue": {
"installed": [],
"uninstalled": []
},
"config_munge": {
"files": {
"AndroidManifest.xml": {
"parents": {
"/*": [
{
"xml": "<uses-permission android:name=\"android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION\" />",
"count": 1
},
{
"xml": "<uses-permission android:name=\"android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION\" />",
"count": 1
}
]
}
}
}
},
"installed_plugins": {
"org.apache.cordova.geolocation": {
"PACKAGE_NAME": "com.example.project" <--- replace this with your package name
}
},
"dependent_plugins": {}
}