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About the GPS Feature
About the GPS Feature
Your BlackBerry device is equipped with a Global Positioning System
(GPS) feature. This feature uses information from GPS satellites orbiting
the earth to determine the approximate geographical location of your
device (latitude and longitude).
When you make a 911 emergency call, the GPS feature of your
BlackBerry device can help emergency personnel locate you. Your
device must have adequate access to GPS satellite signals and your
emergency response center must be equipped to process such
information.
Your GPS Location When Dialing 911
When you make an emergency 911 call, the GPS feature of your
BlackBerry device is designed to automatically begin to seek information
to calculate your approximate location. It may take 30 seconds or more
to determine the approximate location even if your BlackBerry device
has good access to sufficient GPS satellite signals and network assist
data. This time will increase where there is reduced access to satellite
signals. When your approximate location is determined, it is made
available to the appropriate emergency response center.
In some cases, your local 911 emergency response center may not
be equipped to receive GPS location information. For this reason,
and because the GPS location information reported is only approximate
or may not be available in your location, always report your location to
the 911 operator when making an emergency call.
Note: If you are concerned about whether your local 911 emergency
response center is equipped to receive GPS location information,
contact your local authorities using a non-emergency number.
In general, if your BlackBerry device has access to signals from more
GPS satellites, your location will be determined faster and more
accurately than if your BlackBerry device has access to signals from
fewer GPS satellites.
If your BlackBerry device does not have adequate access to GPS
satellites signals, the location of the nearest cell tower in contact with
your device is automatically made available to the emergency response
center.