Sprint PCS said Mon. it introduced first GPS-enabled wireless pho...
Sprint PCS said Mon. it introduced first GPS-enabled wireless phone in U.S. designed to support location-based E911 services “as they become available on the Sprint PCS nationwide network.” Company said handset still worked nationwide as PCS phone. Sprint PCS…
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said it was first “and only wireless carrier” to meet FCC deadline of selling GPS-enabled handset by Oct. 1, which is part of E911 Phase 2 mandate requiring carriers to pinpoint 911 calls more precisely. It said Samsung’s SPH-N300 now could dial 911, but GPS-driven location functionality wasn’t available. “This functionality will roll out in conjunction with local public safety agencies on a market-by-market basis,” Sprint said. Carrier said its customers could disable GPS location-based commercial services through menu on handset, although customers couldn’t disable E911 capabilities linked to GPS. Dozens of carriers have waiver requests pending before FCC on E911 Phase 2 timelines, citing lack of commercially available equipment.