How it Works

The Wherifone uses patented location technology that combines information from Global Positioning System (GPS) of satellites with the capabilities of GSM/GPRS cellular networks to find the phone. Should GPS satellites be obscured or a GPS fix otherwise be unavailable, the Wherify system will provide the approximate position of a Wherifone by using location information taken from the GSM network where this information is made available to Wherify.

When you request a Locate either through the secure Web site or via an SMS text request, or through a Customer Care representative, the Global Location Service Center contacts the Wherifone via the GSM/GPRS cellular network.

The Wherifone then finds the closest GPS satellites orbiting the Earth, determines its location, and reports its latitude and longitude coordinates back to the Global Location Service Center.

The Global Location Service Center processes those coordinates, pinpoints them with advanced mapping software, and gives you an approximate street address plotted onto a map. There are two types of maps: 1) Standard online street maps and 2) a detailed aerial photo map. In the case of an SMS text message locate request, which may be made from any cell phone, the user will receive a text message with the approximate street address of the Wherifone.