Cell Phones & GPS

[manfromnevada]

A long time ago my cell phone had no GPS. Fine.
The next model had a setting where you could enable it for all calls or for 911 only. That's what I chose (911 only).
But this phone (Samsung A777) has no such setting.
No mention of it in the user's guide index.
I've searched the web for such a setting. I've found nothing.

I've had some problems with my AT&T service lately and was talking to a rep yesterday. He immediately could see my location on his map in reference to the cell towers.

So my question is: Is this other people's experience with their phones and their service providers? Universal GPS at all times?

Mac

[Don Wills]

So my question is: Is this other people's experience with their phones and their service providers? Universal GPS at all times?

Actually, it doesn't matter whether your cell phone has GPS or not.  By sensing the cell phone transmit power levels received at three cell towers, TPTB can triangulate your position.  And you don't need to make a call - the chirps that your phone is constantly doing are sufficient.  It's not a new technology.

[Terence]

So my question is: Is this other people's experience with their phones and their service providers? Universal GPS at all times?

Yep, and even if you have the option of turning it off there are software applications that can reconstruct
'locational artifacts' to build a map of where you've been.

[ConfederateCatholic]

Big brotherUncle Sam is just trying to watch out for your best interests. If something were to "happen" to you, they need to be able to find you to render "aid."