To: james-rockford who wrote (752 ) 7/13/2001 3:09:55 AM From: DEER HUNTER Read Replies (1) | Respond to This article from today has some interesting information regarding GPS technology and forecasts.biz.yahoo.com A new report by market research firm Frost & Sullivan, projects that North American GPS market revenues will reach $4.6 billion by 2006. Supporting these revenues are FCC requirements which specify that carriers choosing a handset-based solution for the E-911 mandate, must be offering GPS-enabled handsets by October 1, 2001, and 25% of all new handsets activated by December 31, 2001, must be ALI (Automatic Location Identification) capable. That requirement increases to 50% on June 30, 2002, and 100% on December 31, 2002. GPS uses a constellation of Geo-stationary satellites to pinpoint the location of interest to within a few meters. Next generation cell phones are incorporating the GPS receivers to enable operators to meet the FCC mandated E-911 service specifications which require the capability to globally pinpoint the source location of cellular based 911 Emergency Calls. All new U.S. handset offerings must have the GPS capability by the end of 2002 and similar requirements are expected to be adopted elsewhere around the world. GPS enabled phones will additionally deliver value-added, location-based services to consumers, such as driving directions, nearby restaurant and ATM locations, wireless advertising and promotional offers from nearby businesses.
