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