If users are one of the many South Africans set to hit the road for the Easter break, consider using location-based services (LBS) to help navigate any dangers they may encounter en route. These mobile services can be a lifesaver in emergency situations such as a road accident or crime incidents.
LBS services help users stay in touch with loved ones while in transit and are especially practical if users are travelling at night, need to make an unavoidable trip through a dangerous area, or are embarking on a long journey.
“Your cell phone can help you navigate these dangers, if fitted with the correct applications and services. “Location-based services (LBS) on your cell phone can be a lifesaver in potentially dangerous situations,” says Jacques Swanepoel, MD or Cellfind, a member of Blue Label Telecoms.
By using LBS services like Vodacom look4me and MTN WhereRU, loved ones can check up on users without the distraction of a phone call while driving. They can request a location by sending a query using SMS, USSD or by visiting a Web site. The location is traced by means of triangulation using cellular towers and the information is sent back as text or a map.
Swanepoel says that LBS services like Vodacom look4help and MTN 2MyAid turn a cell phone into a panic button, summoning help when users need it most. With the press of an assigned speed dial, location is established and the information is sent via SMS to four pre-determined emergency contacts.
These services require no additional software, can be accessed from any cell phone and are available at an affordable monthly fee.
Cellfind offers the following additional tips for safe driving with a cell phone this Easter:
* Ensure that the cell phone battery is fully charged before embarking on a journey and consider investing in a car charger;
* Install a hands-free car kit or buy an earpiece so that users can talk safely on a phone while driving;
* Keep the phone’s WiFi and Bluetooth off if not in use, in order to conserve battery while travelling; and
* Use GPS, whether a dedicated device or GPS software for a cell phone, and plan a route for long or unfamiliar destinations.
Cellfind is South Africa’s specialist in LBS and the only supplier that offers direct, end-to-end LBS services to customers. It is a one-stop provider for a range of products that make life safer and more convenient for South African cellular subscribers.
LBS services help users stay in touch with loved ones while in transit and are especially practical if users are travelling at night, need to make an unavoidable trip through a dangerous area, or are embarking on a long journey.
“Your cell phone can help you navigate these dangers, if fitted with the correct applications and services. “Location-based services (LBS) on your cell phone can be a lifesaver in potentially dangerous situations,” says Jacques Swanepoel, MD or Cellfind, a member of Blue Label Telecoms.
By using LBS services like Vodacom look4me and MTN WhereRU, loved ones can check up on users without the distraction of a phone call while driving. They can request a location by sending a query using SMS, USSD or by visiting a Web site. The location is traced by means of triangulation using cellular towers and the information is sent back as text or a map.
Swanepoel says that LBS services like Vodacom look4help and MTN 2MyAid turn a cell phone into a panic button, summoning help when users need it most. With the press of an assigned speed dial, location is established and the information is sent via SMS to four pre-determined emergency contacts.
These services require no additional software, can be accessed from any cell phone and are available at an affordable monthly fee.
Cellfind offers the following additional tips for safe driving with a cell phone this Easter:
* Ensure that the cell phone battery is fully charged before embarking on a journey and consider investing in a car charger;
* Install a hands-free car kit or buy an earpiece so that users can talk safely on a phone while driving;
* Keep the phone’s WiFi and Bluetooth off if not in use, in order to conserve battery while travelling; and
* Use GPS, whether a dedicated device or GPS software for a cell phone, and plan a route for long or unfamiliar destinations.
Cellfind is South Africa’s specialist in LBS and the only supplier that offers direct, end-to-end LBS services to customers. It is a one-stop provider for a range of products that make life safer and more convenient for South African cellular subscribers.