DoT makes GPS mandatory on feature phones
Posted on: 10/Jul/2017 1:08:03 PM
Keeping in mind the safety of women and consumer safety in general, DoT has opposed the demand for alternative technology to replace GPS in cheaper mobiles, as requested by handset makers. The industry has warned that such move may uptick mobile rates by 50 percent.
In all mobile phones, according to the government rules, it is mandatory to install Global Positioning System. This is applicable for sale of feature phones starting from 1st January 2018, as it believes locating subscribers in case of emergency will be easier.
In case of emergency, GPS is the only tool for obtaining users location details. The government should thus aid in implementing this in all mobile phones starting from 1st January, said DoT to its reply to industry body Indian Cellular Association (ICA).
As a move to cater to the above, the system is re-iterated that the mobile handsets should comply with second part of gazette notification in order to implement GPS facility on all mobile handsets.
Majority of the mobile companies functional in India are represented by the ICA. It has mentioned in its note to the government to make use of A-GPS technology that can aid in locating callers using mobile towers at nearby locations.
