What Is The Cell Phone GPS Receivers Feature?

Cell phone GPS receivers are a way for you to determine your precise location on Earth. GPS stands for Global Positioning System.

This is an extremely important feature for any phone. Luckily every cell phone manufacturer from Audiovox to NEC and even Sony Ericsson make a cell phone that has a cellular phone GPS receiver built into them.

A cellular phones GPS receiver allows emergency contacts such as 911 or 112 to immediately track down the exact position of your cellular phone receiver no matter where you are on the cell phones grid. This is important because in an emergency you may not always have time to give proper directions or you may in fact not even know where you are.

There are two types of cellular GPS receivers available, the standard satellite tracking receiver and the more common “Assisted” or A-GPS technology receiver. With assisted GPS technology the cell phones actually use the cell phone grid you are on to help track you down instead of by satellite receiver.

It does still receive satellite signals from your cell phone, but it is unable to find you if you are off the cellular phones grid or out of coverage area.

As an added feature, some cell phone carriers such as MCI or others such as Sprint PCI can provide a wireless service for their customers that can provide information on the surrounding area. This is more of a convenience than an emergency service feature, however. It can make use of a phones directory and give you instructions on how to get to the nearest shopping center or restaurant.

These cell phones can also forward your personal information to any emergency cellular call you put through, citing important things a potential rescuer may need to know, including blood type and any illnesses or allergies to medications you or your family may have.

Also see; glossary of cell phone terms and definitions.

Author Notes:

Bill Schnarr contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.cell-phones-n-plans.com. A cell phone industry resource that features service plan comparisons, cellular phone reviews and articles.