GPS cell phone tracking in newer phones is an important feature that you should take advantage of. The e911 services allows you to dial 911 and have your cell phone instantly tracked, in case you are unable to communicate and need assistance.
Before you purchase a phone with the services enabled, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. When the 911 services are used in a cellphone with GPS tracking, your phone will be rendered unusable for a period of roughly five minutes.
During this time, your phone blocks all outgoing calls beyond 911. Depending on the phone, incoming calls may or may not be blocked. During this time frame, your phone is contacting the satellite and rendering GPS information so you can be located in the case of an emergency.
This serves several purposes.
First, it prevents you from being able to "prank" call the 911 services. As the phone is tracked and rendered incapable of dialing out, it deters users from calling unless it is truly necessary. Second, it ensures that the phone can contact the satellites without interruption of an outgoing call, which may disrupt the signal the phone is attempting to send to the orbiting satellite.
Tracking a GPS cell phone can serve a second purpose, beyond 911. If you have a certain model phone, and your service provider has an agreement with a tracking service, GPS cell phone tracking can be used for more mundane things. Through use of a computer or telephone service, you can track the positions of your friends and loved ones easily, which allows family to be certain that you are save. This service also can aid in the recovery of a lost or stolen phone. These services can be found locally, as well as on line.