Mobile News South Africa

Track children through cellphone service

Location-based services (LBS) for cellphones allow parents to track their children's whereabouts and can turn their cellphone into a panic button for emergencies. Available from Cellfind, obtaining a child's real-time location is as simple as sending a query from a cellphone via SMS, USSD, WAP or by visiting a website.

MTN WhereRU and Vodacom look 4 me, allows subscribers to locate up to 10 users, provided that the user consents. Location information is deliverable via SMS. In addition, a map can be sent to MMS enabled handsets or viewed on the website.

MTN 2MyAid and Vodacom look 4 help turns children's cellphone into a silent panic button for use in emergencies, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All they need to do is push one button and four selected friends and/or family members will receive a message saying that they need help, followed by their location information. These services can be a lifesaver if the child is in a panic and cannot remember the telephone numbers he or she should call in an emergency or does not have time to dial them.

LBS services require no additional software, can be accessed from any cellphone and are available at an affordable monthly fee. Subscribers and others can only track a child if he or she gives permission, so there is no need to be concerned about stalkers.

For more, go to www.cellfind.co.za.

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