Global Positioning Systems: aGPS vs. GPS
Assisted GPS, or aGPS, works in essentially the same way as standard GPS. However, it offers some benefits that you can’t get with the standard type of global positioning system. In order for the GPS system to work, three satellites must be able to link up. If they can’t do this in a realistic period of time, the signal won’t be able to be sent to anyone else, like police or a fire department. With aGPS, there is a chance that this link-up can happen much faster than it could in the past. When the link-up is faster, there is a better chance of completing it. Therefore, there will be a better chance of finding the person who has the phone and the GPS device. When someone is hurt or in trouble, this quick linking and the quick response that can come from it could literally be a matter of life and death.
Not all cell phones have this technology yet. If it’s something you want or think you might need – for example, if you travel a lot, especially by yourself and/or off the beaten path a little – you should ask your cell phone salesperson about it. If he or she doesn’t know whether the phone offers what you’re looking for, keep moving up the chain of command until you find someone with the answer. Most people probably won’t need this feature, but there will be some who will. You want to make sure that you’re getting what you want in a phone, and you might have to do some of your own research and be your own advocate to find the phone and carrier that’s right for you. It’s worth your time and trouble, though, if you feel aGPS technology is something you definitely want.
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