Motivated by the tragedy of 9/11 2001 and issues with 911 calls from cell phones, the FCC mandated that by the end of 2005, all cell phone service providers must have the ability to trace the place of cell phone calls to within 100 meters.
Cell phones have been equipped with GPS capability. Scalping strategies won’t be the same because of the GPS products utilized by walkers, ocean adventurers and motorists. Cheaper models do not let the consumer access data like mapping software. All systems need a wireless network.
Cell phones with GPS technology use AGPS (Aided GPS). It’s so called since the system uses both cell phone towers and satellites as location finders.
You will find pros and cons with the new technology. The price to implement this program is going to be passed onto customers — cell phones will definitely cost more. Privacy is indeed an anxiety for everyone particularly in this day of identity theft. It’s a concern that unknown individuals will have the ability to determine where you are and there’s the possibility the junk e-mail you’re flooded with in your home computer will be delivered to your cell phone.
Using GPS cell phones to trace people has some good advantages. Finding kids and family could be a blessing. Bear in mind by trying to find somebody who has run out of your calling area, you’ll be billed extra.
The apparent benefit for the consumer is the problem of emergency aid, which was the catalyst with this whole concept of GPS cell phones: a 911 call that may be rapidly situated, emergency kerbside assistance, finding persons missing in remote areas, and the list continues. If coverage can be obtained, then GPS cell phones save lives.
Many service providers currently have GPS cell phones available. You can purchase the basic model for emergency monitoring or you can afford the technology that turns the cell phone into a sophisticated mapping, PDA system. There are still problems with the advanced features. The more you apply the advanced features, the faster the battery gets drained. Increasing battery size also increases the cell phone size which is a concern for many customers who would like ever more compact, lighter products to carry around. At this time, Japan appears to have the advantage on developing a high-end miniature GPS cell phone.
Compromising privacy for safety factors is the problem but I suspect it would take just one positive outcome in a desperate situation to make a decision for you.
As the systems become increasingly more refined, camera and PDA abilities are now being incorporated into the phone itself. Developments in GPS cell phone technology are ongoing. If developers can solve the problems of privacy, then the opportunity for GPS cell phones is incredible. It’ll no longer be a problem of “Are you able to hear me now?” Rather the question is going to be, “Are you able to find me now?”
