The Federal Communications Commission has published a mandate for all phones to support 'true' GPS technology by 2018. By that year, according to the FCC, the mobile market will already have 85 percent of phones using GPS technology, therefore making the mandate not too much of a stretch for device makers.
Most smartphones sold already have GPS inside of them, though older devices such as feature phones do not, solely relying on cell tower triangulation for location-based services.
“It’s hard to imagine that airlines can send text messages if your flight is delayed, but you can’t send a text message to 9-1-1 in an emergency,” said FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski in regards with the new emergency system's ability to receive text and video from callers. 'The unfortunate truth is that the capability of our emergency response communications has not kept pace with commercial innovation — has not kept pace with what ordinary people now do every day with communications devices. The shift to NG911 can’t be about if, but about when and how.'
It is also unknown as to when the FCC plans to disallow phones using cell tower triangulation from market release (though Cellular Outfitter continues to carry accessories for older devices such as cell phone antennas).
According to TechCrunch, the FCC's push for GPS technology in all phones is 'interesting' because current GPS technology often fails to pinpoint one's location with accuracy and speed due to obstacles or interference.
Despite the FCC's recommendations for wireless carriers and manufacturers, GPS technology will continue to be on the rise as location-based services are almost always on for those with smartphones using social networking services. If you still have a feature phone, wholesale cell phones with GPS technology are a valid option to keeping up with the wired world.
The Federal Communications Commission has published a mandate for all phones to support 'true' GPS technology by 2018. By that year, according to the FCC, the mobile market will already have 85 percent of phones using GPS technology, therefore making the mandate not too much of a stretch for device makers.
