I am not a cell phone expert and might be one of the few who has resisted
the service. As I understand it, when your cell phone is on and waiting
for a call, it periodically transmits a signal to let nearby cell sites
know you are "alive" - When someone dials you, the call is routed to a
cell near you with an available line. I can imagine that it would help
911 operators if they could pinpoint your cell site instead of you
reporting that you are heading east on Main Street or Route 80.
The "repeater" at cell sites have overlapping coverage and you are handed
off from one to another as you move while talking. I guess that 911 calls
might better locate you if given your current cell as well as others which
can hear your phone.
I don't think we can expect the precision of a global positioning unit,
but who knows what might be possible?
- Mark
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