Sprint Nextel Launches GPS-Based Child Locator Service

6:00 am on April 14, 2006 | Category: Mobile Devices, Telecom Services

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America’s number three cell phone provider, Sprint Nextel, has just become the first U.S. carrier to offer a GPS-based child tracking system, with the launch of its Family Locator Service.

Although the technology to track a child’s movements using cell phones has been freely available for some years, the service has so far only been offered by third-party GPS tracking services, rather than mainstream wireless carriers.

The software for Sprint’s new service is being provided by WaveMarket Inc. It can be downloaded on 17 existing Sprint and Nextel branded phones, and used for a price of $9.99/month.

In addition to being a basic location tool, the new service also allows a parent to set automatic alerts to warn them if their child isn’t where they’re supposed to be (e.g. School) at a specific time of day. This function has raised no shortage of privacy concerns, with many saying that it is over-intrusive, and could be used for the wrong purposes. The company, however, insists that it isn’t designed to be a “Big Brother” tool.

“It’s not about tracking. It’s not about monitoring,” claimed Sprint’s marketing manager of location-based services, Dan Gilmartin. “It’s about giving parents and caregivers peace of mind that they’re able to find their children’s location,” he said noting that the service could also be used by those who want to keep tabs on elderly parents.

Rightly or wrongly, there is little doubt that demand for these location-based offerings has skyrocketed in recent years. A number of third-party services, including Wherify, Teen Arrive Alive, and Walt Disney Co. have already entered the market, while CATS Communication Inc. is planning an even more comprehensive service that will automatically warn parents if their child goes near the home of a registered sex offender.

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    1. I’m trying to sell these phones. I wonder if the service is worth the $20. LMK, Email or visit and call us at http://www.totallycellphones.com

      Comment by Kevin Luxon — April 17, 2006 #

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    Edited by Jeremy Maddock