Just got a new cellphone. It has a GPS feature that somehow provides location information during 911 calls. It can be disabled. Also will provide location info. for some other type of calls, but types are not specified. Has 2 options. 1. 911 only 2, Location ON.

Phone is Virgin Mobile, Audiovox 8500.

Anyone have info about this service? Called Virgin Mobile and Audiovox and got "non-answers".

What I know from recent EMS briefing we got on this feature...

Since there is huge increase in mobile phone ownership and usage; accidents, crimes and emergency situations are being called in from actual locations. Dispatcher used to use caller id to verify address when the call came in on the land line. With mobile phones even if they could get the billing info, call does not necessarily has to be placed at home location. GPS locator system was made available for the following reasons:
- if person makes a phone call but is not available to complete it due to health reason (example. lost of consciousness)
- if person is in danger and can't complete the call due to environment placement (example. Robbery, hostage)
- if person has no clue where they are. And this actually happened yesterday I had a call that said we have a heavy bleeder in the park (3 sq miles) by the movie theater. There were 4 units looking for that person. It came out to be a minor bleed (thank God) but GPS locator would change response time from 15min to 5 min. Location was half the mile from the movie theater mentioned in the call but it was only landmark that person placing the call knew. This also would be very useful to answer motor vehicles accidents on highways...
- to stop prank calls.

I'm all for this feature. But I already heard people voicing opinions that this is just another way that gov't wants to control our lives and keep us in check. I don't really know how it will work out. Plans are that the minute you dial 911, trace starts, you don't even have to talk... upon locating you police unit will get dispatched because it will be treated as a call for help. Originally I heard something about three satellites triangulating your signal but I have no more technical data on that feature.

Matt

We travel constantly. I frequently don't have a clue where we are. My fear is needing assistance, having a phone, but not knowing where I am. Thanks for the info. I wonder how many 911 shops have this implemented. At least in my phone it says it can be turned off so I would say the big brother aspect is outweighed by the value in an emergency. I have mine set to 911 only.

You will find this article interesting:

http://1010wins.com/topstories/winstopstories_story_225074607.html