GPS on Cell Phones

Almost every phone currently sold in America is designed with some kind of GPS ability built-into them.  The reason for this design is to allow Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) identification when the cell phone's user calls 911.  This means that the emergency services dispatchers will be able to locate the caller to within a relatively small area.  However, this is usually the extent to which the GPS chip within cell phones will perform.

That being said, there are high-tech phones that have GPS receivers built right into them, are able to connect to a GPS unit, or are capable of using a Bluetooth connection for GPS.  Phones that are enabled with GPS are capable of using such programming languages as Java, and are able to provide driving directions, turn-by-turn, in addition to useful information about nearby attractions and companies.  There are also other GPS phones that can be used in the same way as a tracking device - these are currently most popular in phones designed for children so that parents can watch over their locations. 

In order to make a cell phone work with GPS features, you would require:

• A cell phone plan that supports GPS data and the transition of maps and other related information.
• A mobile device that is GPS-enabled or that can work with a GPS receiver that is compatible.
• Proper software to provide the maps and directions for your desired journeys based on the location of your cellular.

Enhanced 911 remains, though, the most important reason for people to have GPS capability in their mobiles.  This is because even if you call for an emergency and cannot speak, or if you hang up the phone, the dispatcher will still be able to find your location and send the help you need.  This is only a very recent development but is now a requirement for every area in the United States with cell phone service.  The FCC has officially made it a legal requirement for both cell phone manufacturers and the providers of enhanced 911 services to be able to locate callers so that services may be sent to precisely the right place.