How does one use GPS on the cell phone to locate it?

[DonLandis]

I have heard several prople mention that they use the Verizon wireless website to locate their GPS ready cell phones. Yesterday, my wife misplaced her phone and I thought it would be a simple procedure to locate it with that feature but I could not find the place on the Verizon website where you could access this. Does anyone know if this is really available or was the person who mentioned this just blowing smoke?

[P Smith]

What phone model she have ? "GPS ready" - is it old trick with trianglulation method ? For sure any cell phone could be traced by invoking E911, but the person should call 911 first.

[Steve Mehs]

Sorry Don, can’t help you out other then saying the ability to do this definitely exists, but I have to idea how Verizon handles it.

At work we have mobile Nextel GPS tracking, although I don’t think it’s used much. From what I understand, the GPS info is generated by the Sprint/Nextel network, but the real time interfacing of it is handled by a third party application. What I find really cool is you can set parameters on a map and it will put them in the form of latitude and longitude, in degrees and minutes. If the phone is out side the designated area either an email or text message will be sent to the boss notifying which phone was outside its allowed area. I believe this is called Fencing or something like that. I’ve never actually seen it in action but I got an overview of it when I was helping the GM set up his Blackberry.

[DonLandis]

Best I could find is that Verizon has a special service of the LG Migo at $9.99 per month locates this phone. It is a special service available to parents who purchase this phone for kids. Mobile -Chaparone™ While all their phones are tracking capable they have yet to roll out a universal search phone application. I'm sure they want to figure out a way to charge for the feature. Plus, it will most likely be restricted so I can't locate another's cell phone, only my own due to Verizon trying to figure out how to deal with privacy rights issues.

[Nick]

Wireless locater features are primarily for law enforcement's use to locate you.
When you see a black helicopter overhead, you'll know you have been located.

I know it's true because I've seen it many times on tv programs and in the movies.
My own cell gets 'polled' every fifteen minutes or so like an ankle bracelet so that
NSA (No Such Agency) spooks can keep up with me. I suspect they can also get
access my cellphone's camera feature.

Call the cops, Don...they'll track down your wife's phone as a practice maneuver.

:D

[DonLandis]

Oh, she found it slipped down between the seat and the center console in the car. I just remember the podcast where this guy was bragging about the technology. Either he was full of sh!t or he did have one of those new Verizon kid phones with the service which is doubtful. I'm sure the technology exists but the cell phone companies haven't figured out how to make a buck off of it yet and still control the privacy issues.