| Imagine driving somewhere new, you're lost, | | | | hand-held GPS out of the car. |
| unsure of where you are at, and the more you | | | | |
| try to find your way out the more confused | | | | There are two ways that a GPS cell phone can |
| you get. Do you know how safe the area which | | | | be used to get driving directions. The first |
| you're in is, is it safe to get out of your | | | | is to subscribe to a GPS navigation service, |
| car to ask for directions or are you risking | | | | which is becoming available but is limited at |
| being attacked? What if you are threatened or | | | | this time. The second way is through use of a |
| attacked, you have your cell phone, dial | | | | software program. Being able to subscribe to |
| 9-1-1, but are unable to tell the operator | | | | a navigation service has its disadvantages, |
| how to find you. Imagine having an accident, | | | | if you are outside your coverage area your |
| or witnessing an accident, but you are unsure | | | | navigation functions won't work. Plus, not |
| where you are, you call 9-1-1 but are unable | | | | only do you have to purchase a GPS cell |
| to tell them where you are. Imagine becoming | | | | phone, you must also pay a set up fee and a |
| ill while in your car, you dial 9-1-1, but | | | | monthly fee and be under a 3 month to one |
| become unconscious before you can tell | | | | year contract. |
| someone where you're at, how will anyone find | | | | |
| you? Imagine being on a hike or bike ride | | | | The second way to get driving directions is |
| when you suddenly realize you do not know | | | | to buy a software program, but you need to |
| where you are, how will you find your way | | | | have a compatible cell phone. The programs |
| back safely? | | | | and maps are on a memory card and there is no |
| | | | need to pay a monthly fee and since the maps |
| The U.S. FCC (Federal Communications | | | | are in the phone you are not dependent on a |
| Commission) has mandated the E911 (Enhanced | | | | GPRS connection. |
| 911) which requires that the location of any | | | | |
| cell phone used to call 9-1-1 can be | | | | If you want to take your GPS cell phone with |
| determined. This program is divided into two | | | | you while out of your car, not only are there |
| parts; the first requires carriers to report | | | | integrated GPS cell phones, there are GPS |
| the telephone number of the caller and the | | | | add-ons available also. |
| location of the antenna that received the | | | | |
| call. The second part requires carriers to be | | | | Another advantage to having a cell phone with |
| able to provide a more precise location. This | | | | GPS technology is that parents know where |
| will require that the manufacturers to | | | | their children are at any time (as long as |
| install a GPS receiver in all cell phones. | | | | they have the phone with them). Some carriers |
| The benefit of this not only means that a | | | | are offering this child location service as a |
| cell phone can be quickly located, but that | | | | 'peace of mind' feature. There is usually a |
| cell phones will have the ability to receive | | | | monthly service charge for this service. |
| driving directions, and to be used as a | | | | |