What To Do If Your Cell Phone Is Lost Or Stolen?
There are situations in which sometimes we get in, that we feel rather helpless or without knowing exactly what to do or where to go for help. Having a personal cell phone lost or stolen may be one of these situations. In cases like these the following tips may be of some at least to minimize the potential problems you may run into.
1 - You should take care of your cell phone as if it were your personal wallet. The best way to avoid being liable with fraudulent charges is to do whatever you can within your means to avoid unauthorized calls in the first place. Check the user guide that comes with your phone set and start using the lock or password feature to potentially prevent a theft from making unauthorized phone calls. There are ways to get around passwords, but you will probably be buying yourself some time until you realize the loss of your cell phone and call your service phone provider.
2 - Call your cell phone service provider as soon as you discover the loss. Report your missing/stolen device and be sure to keep records of the date and time you called your phone carrier, the name of the person to whom you spoke to, and what you have been informed. Also take note of the state and the region of their call center, plus their telephone extension number. Finally ask for confirmation in writing that your device has been disabled. Some companies can even email this to you.
3 - File a police report. It may not be much of a help in getting your cell phone back, but it should provide an official record of the missing/stolen cell phone. Keep the police report number available while reporting the loss to the phone carrier. Also you may open an investigation with your carrier if necessary. If you are not getting an immediate response by working directly with your cell phone company, do not waste any more time. Contact your phone carrier and request an immediate investigation. Usually a formal request for an investigation will prevent formal collections filed by the phone carrier, not to mention that might delay reporting to any credit bureaus against the phone user.
4 - When requesting an investigation, let your phone carrier know that you will be filling a complaint with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), your state attorney general`s office, and your state`s public utility commission (PUC). After taking these steps, the phone carriers will most likely pay closer attention to you, once they become aware that you are an informed consumer. According to a 2006 AARP/ROPER cell phone survey, half of all cell phone users between the age of 18 and over, report not knowing who to call to in the event their cell phone carrier is unable to resolve a billing/service problem to the user satisfaction. Beware that FCC is going to forward your complaint to your phone service provider, requiring a return from them within a month.
5 - Contact your attorney general`s office. According to their website, state attorney general offices handles complaints about cell phone frauds and contract disputes. This office has lawsuits against phone companies based on phone user complaints, resulting sometimes in refunds to consumers and new agreements made by cell phone service providers on behalf of their cell phone users. Also contact your state`s PUC. Each state has a government agency, usually called utility commission, which handles consumer problems with telephone companies.
A missing or stolen cell phone may become a big problem if the user does not take immediate actions. Filing a formal missing/stolen report together the with cell phone service carrier and government agencies are the necessary steps one should take to make sure he will not have any more losses. Get to know your rights as a consumer and make sure the any loss you are going to have, in the event of a missing/stolen cell phone, will be the cell phone itself.
This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the News Article section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/celular.php
Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for http://www.polomercantil.com.br
The Real Threat To Carrier’s Wireless Video Plans
Recently, I’ve seen increasing heat in the discussion of how mobile video will eventually be delivered to a mass market of wireless phones. The current discussion seems to be centered on the debate between two approaches: Broadcast of content or Unicast of content.
In the Broadcast model, content at a pre-defined schedule is sent out over shared airwaves, and any subscribing cellphone can watch the video much like TV was 10 years ago. Broadcast in the US cases seems to be achieved by deploying a new network across the country so as not to encumber the cellular network’s capacity.
The second approach, Unicast, is a way of using the 3G or better data networks to carry a streaming video to each individual subscriber. This more closely resembles the Internet video of recent years, and allows individuals to watch whatever they choose at their own schedule, but unfortunately this fills limited data network capacity with each incremental subscriber.
Vendors on the broadcast side (Qualcomm, Modio, Hiwire) are arguing that Unicast distribution over 3G doesn’t scale, and if mobile video is successful, unicast video streams will clog the 3G pipes. MediaFlo is on this side, and has got Verizon and Cingular on board.
But Sprint disagrees, saying that their experience with unicast mobile video indicates that their 3G network has the capacity to meet mobile video demand. That could be interpreted as a negative comment on the demand for video, or a positive statement on their network capacity.
But even though the unicast vs. broadcast debate is an important one, it’s not the real battleground for mobile video. It’s even old news. I wrote about precisely this Mobile vs. Unicast paradox in 2004: neither approach held all the right cards then, nor now (the linked 2004 story explains why). Meanwhile, under the radar the real threat to the carrier’s mobile video aspirations seems to get overlooked at all the conferences and boardroom strategy meetings: OTA vs. Sideloaded. Not sure why, but I think it’s a mix of wishful thinking, yes men, and Kool-aid drinkers.
Here’s what carriers should really worry about: OTA (Over The Air) vs. Sideloaded. That is, the carrier model vs. the iTunes or PVR sideload model. It’s like this: if I have content in my PC or PVR, which I’ve already paid for and chosen as desirable, why would I re-buy content over an expensive 700Kbps wireless network when I could use a free, 480Mbps network (a USB cable) to transfer it from my PC into my phone? Phones with flash memory are well-suited for this, and increasingly available. In fact, I seem to recall a rumor that Apple might even try something in this space…
The real threat to carrier business models is that consumers will learn to move video to their phones without ever passing the telco tollbooth. And Apple is about to educate the masses as to that possibility. Whether consumers buy an iPhone or not isn’t the point - the point is consumers will gravitate towards the cheap, simple solutions that are known to them.
Carriers need to have strategies that take this into account, or their strategies will be doomed. For example, a carrier that invests heavily in a DVB-H solution and subsidizes handsets may find they are losing subs to a carrier like Cingular that offers an iPhone with iTunes Music Store access to cheaper content through sync. Carriers would be better advised to use their handset control advantage in the same way Apple uses iPod control - to route customers to their web-store.
Yes, that’s right; try to control a piece of the inevitable sync market instead of the mythical OTA market.
The OTA solution may still be worthwhile, but only for live content, timely content, and impulse content purchases. So far, the music case has shown that to be a small share of the market. Video will be different, but that’s the reality-infused business model that should be considered before OTA investment is approved.
Derek Kerton is the Strategy Expert at The Kerton Group, a consulting firm specializing in wireless telecommunications. More online at http://www.kertongroup.com
Foster Your Infatuation With Mobile Phone SMS
Unless you’ve been living in an illusory world, without a mobile phone, you would in all probability have heard the term SMS. It is also frequently referred to as “texting.” It has become the rage of the 21st century as mobile phone users are constantly trying to find novel things to do their mobile phones. Today we live in a quick-paced world and more and more people are turning to texting as a means of relating to each other. The dating world is no exception. With the onslaught of online daters, and long distance romances increasing, SMS or texting has just become a very convenient way of getting in touch with your near and dear ones. Couple texting and SMS with emails and IM, you don’t even need to actually speak to anyone anymore to have a relationship or friendship. Enter the magical world of mobile phones - with all the familiar brand names: Samsung, Nokia, LG, Sony-Ericsson and what have you.
SMS and texting are known for their pithyness. Something like “Mt me @ 9PM, R spt” or “IM @11??” can change your entire routine in a few short seconds. There is no need for 2 calls, long drawn out emails, or any confusion about detailed exchanges. In fact, texting is a 13 for people with 7 lives that literally need to book time with each other.
How far-flung is SMS for dating? Mobile phone companies are making it more available to their consumers, because each SMS sent literally means cash in their pocket. Recently, Cingular Wireless conducted a survey to find out if mobile phones and SMS had really affected their customer’s romantic relationships. Their findings proved that SMS is in fact the new dating tool of the 21st century:
* 38% of users said one of their dates had responded to text messages sent during a dinner conversation. Of those 38%, 31% of them admitted to doing the same.
* 10% of users have texted someone out of their lives. This makes the Sex and the City “Post-It Note” episode look harmonious.
* 17% have texted to get out of an uncomfortable date.
* 12% used texting news reports as a conversation starter with their date or partner.
* 8% said a relationship has ended over offensive texting behavior.
* 28% would rather text their partner than get involved in a long conversation.
* 5% have used their mobile phone to text another love interest while on a date with someone else. 7% claimed they suspected their date of doing the same thing.
* 6% say they assess someone else by how they text
* 59% of regular daters use texting to communicate with their dates, and 30% of married couples do the same thing with their spouses.
It just goes to show, that SMS and texting are not only more far-flung in the dating world, it seems it is almost a requirement today. Go ahead, reach out and message someone. That is what mobile telephony is all about.
As is obvious Ajeet Khurana loves technology. Here are sites that he recommends: Send Text To Mobiles at http://www.mobile-sender.com Samsung U600 at http://www.mobiles.co.uk/samsung-u600.html and Video Site at http://www.vid-site.com
Cell Phone in Every Pocket
Cell phones or mobile phones have had a great impact on the way we lead our lives. In today’s world, where change is the only constant, cell phones have been upgraded with lots of new technological features. There has been a tremendous growth in the use of cell phones all over the world and now almost anybody has a personal cell phone. What started in 1960s as a bulky radio communication equipment to be used at the time of war, it has now become a small pocket device with a host of special features specially crafted for the common consumer.
It satisfies more than the basic need to communicate. It is a fashion statement, an identity of self and it comes in hundreds of models. Nokia is the world’s largest manufacturer of cell phones followed by Motorola, Samsung, BenQ, Siemens, Panasonic, Philips, LG, NEC, Sony Ericsson, Fujitsu and many more. Apart from calling and texting, cell phones are used for a variety of purposes, to keep contact information, to make task lists and daily schedules, browse mobile websites and check emails, play games, watch video clips, listen to music, take pictures and much more. Also cell phones are easy to integrate with other electronic devices such as notebooks, music systems and etc. With the availability of infrared and Bluetooth technology, a lot of wireless connectivity is possible, such as the use of wireless headphones. Also you can make your phone interact with your notebook without any physical connection.
So, what should you look for while purchasing a new cell phone? The points to consider include the service plan, price, size, weight, features and technical specifications, compatibility with other devices, display screen resolution and a very important feature: battery life. The latest features offered by cell phones are mega pixel camera, wireless connectivity, modem capability, PC synchronization, music and video player and a lot more.
Today, you can access the World Wide Web through your cell phone. To access internet, your cell phone has to be WAP-enabled. Many companies have created mobile compatible websites that make browsing on your phone very easy. You can get the latest news, stock quotes and game scores on the move through your cell phone. The advanced third-generation phones (3G phones) will soon storm the market and will have high-end graphical display that will enable better video conferencing and gaming experience.
Everybody must follow basic cell phone etiquettes. Your mobile should not ring in public and disturb others. Sometimes mobile phones ring at odd instances like in movie theatres, weddings, funerals, important official meetings, etc., and to top it the fancy ring tones disturb everybody else around you. You should keep your cell phone in the silent mode when you are at a public place and you must never talk on the cell phone while driving. This might put you in trouble in many countries as there are heavy fines on cell phone misuse.
Cell phones have become an intrinsic part of our lives that most of us cannot imagine a single day without it. Ring tones, caller tunes, mobile gaming, camera, texting, MMS and video messaging, audio and video recording and viewing are still not enough. New technologies are developed often to reduce size and weight, increase speed, provide a better user interface, to pack more high-definition features into a small pocket device. With GPS (global positioning system) capability, cell phones have become so useful that a person carrying one could be located to a range of a few meters, anywhere on the globe! GPS cell phones are important devices in locating users in emergency situations, which allows emergency services to be quickly dispatched.
This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the News Article section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/celular.php
Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for http://www.polomercantil.com.br
Tips For Buying Cell Phone
After reading several opinions I became aware of how confusing and time spending it can be the simple task of going to the mall searching for a new cell phone. There are so many options, brands, models, deals and services available that one can get very confused when it is time to make a choice of which is the best deal to choose from all the options available. Thinking about this problem, I decided to point out a few suggestions and I hope it can be of good use for those who want to save some time, money and find better deals.
Before deciding to buy a cell phone handset it is wise to really know what your needs are and which type of service will serve you better. If you are an occasional user of a mobile phone, perhaps you may want to consider a service that offers the prepaid charges rather that the service that charges you by the month.
The prepaid choice seems to be very attractive for those on a low budget and also simply because it will give you total control of how much money you want to spend, let`s say in one month or during a certain time. This service is also known as pay as you go. It is by far the most popular plan available today. Keep in mind that with this plan, there is no contract to sign and therefore no penalties involved in case one decides to quit or use another service.
Don`t be an impulsive buyer, before you make any decisions on purchasing a brand or model, I strongly suggest you to look for the online deals available. I personally have found very attractive deals on the internet and the online deals have become very popular with most users. Carefully check the options, prices, features on each model and compare the final costs with the models available at your local shop. Keep in mind that the overhead expenses the traditional shops have are the main reason for the same product to cost much more than the similar product obtained from an online source. Always prefer payments with credit cards, which will offer more security for the online transaction.
Since there are several models and brands of cell phones available in the market today, you may want to choose what seems to be most appealing to you regardless of its size, shape or design. You are the one who will be using it and you should be pleased with your choice.
Many new features and gadgets have been added to the new generation of cell phones. Most major brands have a variety of models that will certainly satisfy from the simpler to the most sophisticated user. The latest mobile phones have capabilities which include video calling, video recording, digital camera, mp3 player, GPS tracking system and other features. So if you don`t need any of these features, you may just want to stick to the basic and no frills type of handset which is much less expensive to purchase and much simpler to use.
This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the News Article section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/celular.php
Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for http://www.polomercantil.com.br
Prepaid x Standard Cell Phone Services
A decade ago perhaps the options weren`t very many, but as time went by and with the advancement of high technology, cell phones became increasingly available for just about everyone, and most of us questioned which will be the best suitable service option when choosing a cell phone. Today there are two basic options: the prepaid cell phone service, which allows you to control more closely how much you can or want to spend in a particular month, and the standard cell phone service, which usually charges you a monthly bill. Both services seem to offer very good deals depending upon each person needs.
The prepaid service is meant primarily for users who want to keep a closer control of the amount of expenses in phone calls. After the phone credits are gone, one has the option to buy some more or not, keeping his expenses within a limit. This kind of service became very popular and it seems to keep growing every day worldwide. In developing countries, where cell phone tariff is expensive, prepaid services made possible to just about everyone to make use of cell phones.
Another advantage of this service is the fact that in case of a phone loss, one doesn`t have to worry much about phone calls made by third parties, because the cell phone has usually a small amount of credits inserted in. Once the stolen-lost cell phone is reported to the service provider, the phone chip will be canceled and no more hassle to worry about, except for the loss of the handset.
The standard cell phone service seems to be meant for the more active users who regularly dial phone calls or don`t care to go through the hassle of buying cell phone credits often. Although this service usually has a less expensive tariff than the prepaid service, users tend to make more use of it and because of that they end up spending more money with phone services.
One does really have to consider the options available and find out which is the most suitable for his personal use. The option for prepaid service seems to be more adequate for the less amount of usage the average people usually do. Those who prefer the prepaid service, do so because it is more attractive to their needs and they don`t have to worry about paying more for an extra service that it is not going to be used anyway.
For those who can`t afford a more expensive model or simply don`t want to spend any extra money for a cell phone, the prepaid service then becomes the ideal choice. However for those who need to keep updated this latest high-tech cell phone features and making phone calls is part of his personal or professional life, then the standard monthly paid service will seem more appropriate.
So whenever picking a cell phone service plan, make sure it fits your lifestyle. After all it`s you who will be paying the phone bill.
This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the News Article section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/celular.php
Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for http://www.polomercantil.com.br
Cell Phone Features
It’s not a 21st century gadget. It was developed in 1947 in the form of a car mobile phone. The concept of cellular phone was produced by Bell Laboratories with the permission of FCC (Federal Communication Commission), and had everything to do with broadcasting and sending a radio or television message out over the airwaves. But there was a scientist, who gave a new shape to the same device. Dr Martin Cooper, a former general manager in Motorola, made the first call on a portable cell phone back in 1973.
The first ever cellular phone was very large and bulky. It almost looked like a radio frequency device. The weight of Motorola’s first cell phone was 2 pounds. But now the structure of these devices have evolved to match the style and comfort of the users. They have shrunk drastically both in size and weight. It is easy to tailor these devices by choosing its features and functions for one’s comfort. There are phone covers that change the face and design of the device. Various accessories are available such as car chargers, belt clips, phone covers, data cables and etc.
Cell phone emerged as a device of luxury, but in the fast growing technical world, it plays a much bigger and important role. You can get wireless Internet service through your phone device, with web and email capability. A cellular phone with a mini web browser can help retrieve web emails and chat, etc., while you are on the move. A special kind of browser is used for surfing the net on a small screen. If internet use is a must, make sure that when buying this device you make the choice for graphic browser capability instead of a text-based browser. Also, if you think you will browse the wireless Internet often, you may want to consider buying it with a larger than average display size.
There are International websites that allow sending mails, without having a computer. All you need is a basic GPRS enabled mobile phone and you can access your mail on your dervice anytime and anywhere. It is no wonder that cell phones have become a bed-side essential for us today, like a bottle of water that we may need any time. It is no longer a device of entertainment. From local weather forecast in the morning to your loved ones good night messages, it keeps you connected all the time.
With cell phones becoming a device with all the modern technology, its theft is growing across the world. In a survey it was found that in the UK a cell phone is stolen every three minutes. In the United States, the statistics are very similar too. By keeping a note on the IMES identification that each phone has, you can trace a phone, though it’s a tedious process. The IMES code is individual to each device, when you lose your phone, you can refer the code to your network provider as well as handset provider and trace back the cellular phone, or at least block the applications in the phone. The person who stole the phone can’t use it after the IMES code is blocked.
Cell phones have definitely become a very popular consumer electronic product. Not just for plain conversation, but for lots of other purposes. With the availability of internet connection, this device has broaden even more its options of uses. Not to mention GPS capability, a life saver for tracking cell phone users who are in emergency situations.
Whether for personal or professional purposes, people just can’t seem to live without cell phone. A luxury item in the early days, now it is a must have item at all times.
This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the News Article section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/celular.php
Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for http://www.polomercantil.com.br
International Cell Phone Services
If you are one who does a lot of international traveling, then you will want your clients to be able to reach you from wherever you might be in the world. But what are some of the options you have when it comes to maintaining your current level of cell phone services worldwide? Do you have to buy a new plan? Do you have to pay outrageous rates? Just what is available?
First of all, the country where you live is very important when it comes to international cell phone services. Most of the countries have one standard in cellular communications known as Global System for Mobile Communications or GSM. However, the United States did not follow the GSM standard and allowed competing wire carriers to develop their own standards. So, if you are coming from the United States and want to get cell phone coverage in another part of the world with your existing equipment, you probably will not be able to do it.
So let’s get back to our options for international cell phone service. It is important to understand that the key issues to having effective international cell phone service is that you must have a phone that will handle the frequencies plus a service that is compatible within the country you are communicating from. If you have a phone set that handles GSM service, then your phone will be compatible in at least 212 countries worldwide, as far as hardware is concerned. The only other item you will have to be concerned with is the service plan.
The GSM frequencies operate worldwide typically at 900 MHz but more and more the cell phones are operating at 1800 MHz. There are some GSM phone services in the United States and Canada but they work at 1900 and 850 MHz and therefore are incompatible with the rest of the world. That is why more and more we are starting to see tri-band phones being sold that are compatible with both international and North American GSM frequencies. The Nokia 3220 is a good example as it will handle both the 1800 and 1900 MHz frequency bands.
But what about the international cell phone service? If you get one of the tri-band phones you can get a SIM card that can be used in multiple countries. These SIM cards are somewhat like pre-paid phone service. You put the card in your GSM-capable phone and have international roaming coverage from wherever the card is valid.
When choosing an international cell phone SIM card for your GSM phone, there are things you should consider when making a decision on which SIM card to buy. First, what is the initial calling credit (how long before you have to recharge)? Of course you should know the rate structure of both the incoming and outgoing calls. Next you should make sure that your phone and SIM card you are purchasing will be valid for the countries you intend to travel.
Since you are not going to be global roaming with your home cell phone service, you will want to let everyone there know how they can reach you by your new number. You can also change the greeting on the voice mailbox of your regular home cell phone service telling your callers your new access number while you are out of the country.
While you are using SIM cards that will be exchanged or replaced, make sure that you save everything (phone numbers, memos, notes, etc.) into your cell phone handset and not the SIM card. If you save any information on your SIM card, then the information will be unavailable whenever you exchange for a new card in another country.
This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the News Article section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/celular.php
Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for http://www.polomercantil.com.br
Must Have Cell Phone Accessories
In today’s climate of modern technology, it’s not enough to simply have a cell phone. There are countless cell phone accessories available to enhance your ability to communicate anywhere, anytime, and with anyone. You want to be at the forefront of this technology–these 10 must have cell phone accessories will take your communication experience to the next level and make using your cell phone a breeze.
What are the 10 must have cell phone accessories for 2007?
Universal Bluetooth Keyboard: This full size keyboard comes with its own carrying case to make it more convenient for writing e-mails and typing notes on-the-go. The Universal Bluetooth Keyboard can turn your cell phone into a laptop for full communication anywhere, anytime. Because it’s Bluetooth, it works with any Bluetooth-enabled device and rids you of the need for cumbersome wires. Turn anywhere into an office at a moment’s notice.
Motorola RAZRWIRE Oakley Bluetooth Sunglasses: Now you can turn hands-free communication into a fashion statement with the Oakley sunglasses with Bluetooth hands-free technology built in. Oakley is world-famous for style, and Bluetooth technology is top-of-the-line wireless connection. When the two come together, you get stylish eyewear that keeps you connected wherever you are.
Bluetooth Speakerphone for Bluetooth Phones and PDA’s: You want to be able to stay connected and stay safe at the same time. The Bluetooth Speakerphone plugs effortlessly into your car cigarette lighter, making it easier–and safer–to keep in contact while traveling in the car.
SanDisk Memory Stick PRO Duo 2GB: With larger storage capacities than a standard Memory Stick, the SanDisk Memory Stick PRO Duo 2GB can transfer data at a rate of 15MB/second. Perfect for DVD-quality video in real time, the SanDisk Memory Stick provides advanced security with MagicGate technology. If the power is suddenly cut-off or the media is accidentally removed, the SanDisk Memory Stick can prevent data loss because of its high-speed transfer rates.
Motorola Bluetooth Stereo Headset HT820: With your busy life, wireless is the way to go. With the Motorola Bluetooth Stereo Headset HT820, you can take your music with you wherever you go. Music is streamed from your phone, stereo or PC to your headset. When a call comes in, the music automatically pauses and begins playing again when the call ends.
Motorola Bluetooth Home Stereo Adapter DC800: This adapter allows you to stream music from your home stereo to your Motorola Bluetooth Stereo Headset HT820 or any other Bluetooth stereo headset device with A2DP support. With this home stereo adapter, the music never has to end, and you can listen to music from your home stereo wirelessly without missing a call–or a beat.
JABRA FreeSpeak BT200: If your phone isn’t Bluetooth enabled, you can still have the wireless hands-free experience with the JABRA FreeSpeak. This hands-free wireless headset allows you to talk even if your phone is inside your briefcase, your purse, your pocket, or all the way across the room.
Bluetooth Data Suite with Software for Bluetooth Cell Phones: This software suite includes handset manager software and a USB Bluetooth dongle. Compatible with bluetooth phones, headsets, and PDAs, you can connect wirelessly while traveling lightly with the convenience of MA-700. Use your phone for wireless internet surfing and securely send and receive communication.
X3 Micro Bluetooth Headset: This award-winning headset brings performance together with style in a lightweight and tiny hands-free package. For anyone who is on the go, the X3 Micro is the ultimate in Bluetooth technology for wireless communication. It comes in a variety of colors so that you can express your personal style while staying in touch.
Bluetooth USB Adapter: Keep everything connected and share files with this USB adapter. It works with Bluetooth-enabled computers and can connect with the internet using Bluetooth cell phone wireless transmission. All transmission is secure and can link PDAs and cell phones to synch-up address books and calendars.
These 10 must haves will take using your cell phone from a hum-drum, everyday experience to an exciting and fun adventure. Personalizing and streamlining your cell phone experience with these accessories will leave you wondering how you ever got along without them.
Cellular Blowout has been offering customers the hottest cell phone accessories online at http://www.cellular-blowout.com since 2002. They offer a wide range of cell phones and cell phone accessories, from hardware to software.
GPS Cell Phone
The Global Positioning System (GPS) was funded, developed and controlled by the US Department of Defense. Since the late seventies, GPS has become an important aid to navigation around the world. Initially designed for the US military, GPS became publicly available years later and it is now considered an important feature in lots of consumer products.
How does GPS work? Well, basically there are three elements that make everything work: satellites, earth monitoring stations and receivers (ex: cell phone, gps receiver). GPS provides specially coded satellite signals that can be processed in a GPS receiver, enabling the receiver to compute position, velocity and time.
Today, most cell phones are not limited to carry on just a conversation. Features like mp3 player, digital camera and video camera have all become standards in the latest cell phone models. It is expected that the GPS feature will soon be added to this list, and it will offer the capability of tracking any cell phone user.
The capability of tracking a cell phone user becomes important in emergency situations, like a car accident, thru the use of 911 emergency phone call, where every minute may be a matter of life or death. In situation like this, the GPS system may pinpoint the exact location of the road accident, enabling emergency services to be quickly dispatched.
It is important to mention that so far most GPS system in cell phone is restricted to tracking information only. However, one can have navigational capability thru the use of full screen cell phone/PDA combos with map displays and other cellular phone accessories, and third party paid services. If one does not want to sign up for a monthly paid subscription service, he can make use of one-time-paid-only software programs that will enable some of the navigational capabilities.
Although there are many benefits in using GPS cell phones, there are some people who are concerned about the violation of personal privacy. Since the US Congress has not authorized location tracking without actual evidence of wrongdoing, there have been court hearings which have not approved the requests of government agencies in obtaining the cell phone GPS tracking information for suspects or ordinary citizens.
This privacy matter has made some progress towards the cell phone user`s rights, since there are some laws that have been passed which guarantees that GPS cell phone users will have some protection from the release of the tracking information, with the exception of 911 emergency cell phone calls. It is expected that these laws will guarantee that the benefits of GPS in cell phones will be enjoyed by everyone without infringing anybody`s privacy.
Sometimes when there is a technological innovation, there are also some concerns about privacy or some rights infringements. But no matter how much of a concern this is, it seems that a compromise will always have to be reached, so that new technologies will take their places in everyone`s lives. After all, we all live in a globalized consumer world. By the way, have you already got your GPS cell phone?
This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the News Article section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/celular.php
Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for http://www.polomercantil.com.br
