In today's marketplace, GPS cell phones can offer a lot more than just a calling device. Users can buy, sell, email, shop, and a lot more, including using your cell like a GPS device by hooking up to a satellite network, the same kind that dedicated GPS devices use. Business leaders are recognizing the potential for GPS or satellite phones in tracking staff or projects, using GPS for field navigation, and tagging client or project gear.

When you want to know more about what's on the horizon for GPS satellite phones, you can find news from sources dedicated to unveiling improvements in the GPS and satellite tech sector for reviews and more on satellite GPS phone models and how they are re-inventing business as usual. Readers might look for:

1. News on how the GPS or satellite systems are improving to handle more and better communications with items like GPS cell phones.

2. Reviews and information to look at used satellite phones for sale as well as new products just released for business use.

3. More on how to rely on satellite phones within a work place for a range of functions.

Action Steps
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Get satellite cell phone newsletters from industry sources

Companies on the cutting edge of the satellite cell phone industry release newsletters regularly to inform business clients and others about what's going on within the promising field of GPS for personal devices.

I recommend: Use the NavTech GPS newsletter to see how GPS is being fitted into various devices like satellite cell phones. The Spatial Media site offers GISuser Today, a newsletter on GIS (geospatial information services) and GPS for cell phones and much more.

Find satellite cell phone blogs

The blog is another great resource for news and reviews that ties GPS to cell phones and other personal devices, explaining what's new and what's desired for doing business today.

I recommend: Try the GPS Cell Phone Blogspot for breaking news on these devices. Or get more on a global satellite phone system at GPS practice-and-fun.

See comprehensive sites with detailed satellite cell phone industry information

Other sites show users a diverse display of items relating to the use of satellite cell phones and other devices, and explaining what's at work behind GPS phones to satellite technologies, to help businesses and individuals make more solid decisions about how to use these tools.

I recommend: Satellite Today provides a lot of different kinds of resources for checking on abilities and processes for satellite cell phones and more within the industry, and how users really hook up to satellite technology. Find reports, reviews, great visuals, and a range of sources for learning more about satellite cell phones at GPS Insight.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When learning about GPS cell phones, consider how much it will cost to get your cell phone units equipped with GPS technology, and see if it fits into your budget for an overhaul on mobile equipment.

When you think of global positioning systems (GPS), do visions of maps and directions flash through your mind? Combine a GPS cell phone's capability to give you accurate directions with its ability to pinpoint your exact location, and you end up with a lot more than just an atlas in your pocket.

All of the GPS cell phones and GPS satellite phones have a locator built into them, which allows emergency personnel to pinpoint your location within a few hundred feet. In addition to this, they open up a whole new vista of options for you.

1. You can subscribe to a GPS navigation service, depending upon who your GPS cell phone service provider is.
2. You can purchase maps and GPS software for your GPS cell phone or satellite phone.
3. You can use the GPS locator built into the GPS cell phones to pinpoint locations of employees or other people.
4. You can dial 911 on your GPS cell phone to connect to E911 service, enabling police and other emergency personnel to pinpoint your location.

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Purchase GPS cell phones or satellite phones

All of the major cell phone service providers offer GPS cell phones or satellite phone, but there can be a big difference in coverage areas, which could hamper the effectiveness of a GPS cell phone or satellite GPS phone.

I recommend: See if Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T offer coverage in your area before purchasing a global satellite phone from them.

Compare GPS service providers

Find a GPS service provider that is compatible with your phone. Compare prices, accuracy of maps and other services.

I recommend: All of the service providers charge a monthly fee for turn-by-turn directions. A few of the better ones include TeleNav, Nextel, and Smart2Go. Smart2Go also requires a separate Bluetooth receiver and a memory card.

Consider purchasing GPS services from your cell phone provider

Many cell phone providers offer their own GPS navigation services. Subscribing to these services ensures compatibility with the service provider, but you still need to ensure that your GPS satellite cell phone is compatible.

I recommend: Check with your service provider to find out which GPS services it offers. Some of the more popular services include VZNavigator from Verizon, Sprint Navigation and other GPS services from Nextel, and TeleNav from AT&T.

Download free maps

Many websites offer free maps for specific GPS phones or so-called smartphones, such as those manufactured by Palm (Treo and Centro) and Research in Motion (Blackberry).

I recommend: Check out Google Maps, Mapquest and Boost Mobile for free maps and downloadable software. Make sure your GPS phone is compatible before downloading anything from these services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Compare monthly fees and services from various providers before subscribing to a GPS service.
• •  Check to see if you need additional equipment or services to make the system operational. Some services require a Bluetooth connection, a memory card or an external antenna.

Cell phones can do a lot of things these days, but not everybody is aware that GPS cellular providers can get members GPS service right through their mobile. GPS satellite service allows for signing up for navigational features, and allows for other kinds of location-oriented communications and features.

For outfitting your GPS cell phone, you may want to also invest in some very functional accessories and supplies for best use of your GPS features. Buyers can choose from a variety of online providers to get the right GPS cell phone gear for their devices. Buyers might look for:

1. Vehicle mounting devices for effective use of navigational GPS features on GPS cell phones or satellite phones for sale online.

2. Cases and carriers for keeping a satellite GPS phone protected or accessories for used satellite phones.

3. Cell phone to laptop technology to back up useful GPS data from a satellite phone system.

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Find vehicle mounts for GPS cell phones

One good tool for using GPS cell phones is a vehicle mount for the dashboard of a car or truck. This is a crucial element for day to day use of a navigator. Without it, finding your way may be difficult and dangerous.

I recommend: For stylish vehicle mount setups for GPS cell phone and PDA, check out PC Connection's online catalog. You can find a universal bracket mount at Cell-Phone-Accessories.com.

Find cases and holders for GPS cell phones

Specialized gear for carrying your GPS satellite phones helps ensure you won't damage your unit traveling anywhere the GPS device takes you.

I recommend: Find cell phone cases for iPhones, GPS models and more at Smarter.com. If you may be going off-road or even underwater, try the Bayho Dry-Pack GPS cell phone case, with water-resistant packaging for electronics protection.

Look for satellite cell phone data backup solutions

When you want to secure your GPS data for review later, a cell phone to laptop transfer can be a great tool for your satellite cell phone. You can get quick USB devices for transferring all of the data you receive on your phone.

I recommend: The Ositech USB cell phone to laptop kit from 1-800Mobiles.com charges the phone battery while letting you download GPS and other data onto your computer. Get other sync and data transfer gear from Sourcing Map.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Going for the first option for your GPS cell phone services can be costly. Shop around for satellite cell phone gear you can rely on at prices that won't break your budget.
• •  As with many purchases, you'll want to keep good buying records of the gear you get for satellite phones, especially for a larger office. These records are great in case of returns, or at tax time.

GPS cell phones are becoming more popular, and more technologically advanced. From driving directions to locating people, there are numerous possibilities with a GPS enabled cell phone. All new cell phones are equipped with GPS technology, but that doesn't necessarily mean that all cell phones have the benefits of GPS navigation and turn-by-turn directions. GPS cell phones key terms include jargon you'll need to know to get the most out of your phone.

Action Steps
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Global Positioning System (GPS)

Global Positioning System (GPS) was originally designed for military applications, but has found its place among civilians. Using a network of 24 satellites, GPS can provide you with information to help you track your exact location and to help you get where you need to go.

I recommend: Garmin offers in depth information about GPS, its accuracy and how it works.

GPS phones

GPS phones are cell phones with added function. GPS phones are great for location tracking, turn-by-turn directions, outdoor location services and other services where your location is important.

I recommend: HowStuffWorks explains how GPS phones work.

People tracking

GPS-enabled cell phones allow you to track the people who carry those cell phones. It started out in use in corporations, where management needed to track employee locations. However, it's now becoming more popular among the rest of the population.

I recommend: Read about people tracking on the Travel By GPS website.

E911

Every new cell phone is now equipped with GPS, even if you don't have the fancy GPS navigation system. This is to comply with the FCC required E911 system, or enhanced 911. When a 911 call is placed from a wireless phone, the carrier can provide emergency services with the telephone number and the location of the caller.

I recommend: Read information about E911 at wiseGEEK.

GPS navigation

GPS navigation is the turn by turn directions you receive, courtesy of the GPS locator. With GPS navigation on your GPS enabled cell phone, you can receive directions to any location.

I recommend: Read about GPS navigation and other GPS applications on GPS-practice-and-fun.com.

T9

T9 is a simplified method of entering text on your cell phone. When entering your location in your GPS phone, T9 makes the process much more efficient. Almost every major cell phone carrier automatically loads T9 software on its phones.

I recommend: Nuance Communications offers a tutorial on T9 to explain how it works and to help you learn to use it.