Since the terrorist attacks on 9/11, there has been an increased demand for improved 911 emergency calling capabilities. This demand, in turn, has resulted in better cell phone GPS tracking technology. After the events of 9/11, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released orders requiring all cell phone carriers to provide the ability to trace cell phone calls to locations within 100 meters or less.
In order to conform to these requirements set by the FCC, most cell phone carriers have decided to integrate the GPS technology into their cell phone handsets. Many have opted for this move rather than overhauling the tower network.
However, the cell phone GPS tracking in most mobile phones is not like those in your handy GPS receiver which allows you to take hiking in the outdoors. Most cell phones do not even allow the user direct contact to the GPS data. There are also some units that accurate location data is only recorded if an emergency call is made or if special arrangements are made with a location-based service provider (LBS).