> To: nanog@merit.edu > Subject: Re: potpourri (Re: Clearwire May Block VoIP Competitors ) > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Date: Fri, 1 Apr 2005 13:58:39 +0100 > > > > > Why can't we have VoIP phones with built-in GPS receivers and a > > > > Because GPS doesn't work indoors. > > GPS works anywhere where the satellite signals can be detected. > http://www.u-blox.com/technology/supersense.html > Obviously, signals get weaker when they have to pass through > solid materials like building walls. But people are already > working on more sensitive receivers. > > But, leaving that aside, if the IP phone has a battery > inside it and if it can record previous GPS locations > and if you move the phone outside to a new location, then > it could remember the last GPS detectable location and > use that when it connects to the net again. >
There's a reason these kinds of capabilities aren't in VoIP "phones". That reason is *money*. GPS capability in the handset would raise the cost of low-end VoIP handsets by an order of magnitude, at least. Using battery-power for the GPS while not plugged into the line is a laugh. Think about what happens when the batteries run down, *before* the phone reaches it's final destination. Suppose it's in an airplane at the time. The 911 call shows a "location" of 37,000 ft _above_ the middle of Lake Michigan. Care to imagine the lawsuit when somebody *dies*, when 'emergency responce' didn't get there in time, _because_ the phone lied about where it was at? Note: this is all getting _fair_ afield from the chartered NANOG subject matter. I'll shut up.
