Richard Waters

I lost my cell phone recently and tried, unsuccessfully to re-activate my previous Nokia 6110, used just 18 months ago. My cell phone provider informed me the FCC has mandated only cell phones that comply with E911 (Enhanced 911) can now be activated.

The push for E911 came out of the New Orleans disaster when cell networks were overloaded with calls. With the chip installed, emergency services could locate injured people, find rescue workers and easily locate 911 callers should they loose contact with them. It seems like a great idea, but it certainly has a dual use!

The time is rapidly coming when all the different hi-tech, mobile consumer products will converge into one. Like having a device that is a phone, a GPS navigator, an MP3 audio & video player, a voice controlled computer that can be used for: your contacts & addresses, for email, wireless web browsing and the storing/transferring of your files and information. Everything you are will be in this device.

Forget the locator chips that are to be used in people. This phone will tell big brother who you are, where you are, where you have been and know everyone who you "communicate" with.

More info:

PC World article: http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,121744,00.asp

FCC Website: http://www.fcc.gov/911/enhanced/

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