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