[UA] Our modern mobile world

[Ysidro]

Keep in mind that the following information by me is completely my
opinion.  I really know nothing about mobile phones, but I'm bored and
want to pretend I'm really smart.


Liam Routt wrote:
> 
> Advice needed...
> 
> It has come to my attention that in order to run any roleplaying game set
> in the modern world (or a close facsimile) one probably should own a
> mobile phone, read its manual, and understand its capabilities. I haven't
> managed any of those... so I have a few questions (along the lines of
> "what *can* a mobile phone do?"). I do understand the basic concepts of
> mobile telecommunications, but...
> 
> 1. Person A calls Person B. Both have mobile phones. After the fact can a
>    suitably authorized person find out:
>      a) where person A was at the time of the call?

After the fact, someone might be able to find out what relay station (or
whatever the term is) picked up the original signal.  Assuming records
are kept.

>      b) where person B was at the time of the call?

Really not sure, maybe the same as above.  This seems pretty technical. 
Any cell phone people out there?

>      c) how long the call was?

Most assuredly.  Most calls are billed by time (some down to the
second).

>      d) who has such information? The company that serves person
>         A? Person B's company? Both? Someone else?

I'd say A's company.  Assuming it works like regular phone service (you
don't get billed for other people's calls after all).

>      e) and what sort of authority is required for such information?

I imagine either proper authorization within the company (whatever that
may be, not too hard for some things.  Length of call would go to
Billing after all) or a proper warrant for the authorities.

>      f) how accessible is such information to unauthorized people?
>

Probably only as available as other personal telecomm records, whatever
that may be.  never tried to get someone elses accounts.  :)
 
> 2. What sort of info about the calling party does a mobile phone have?
>      a) their number? any additional identifier?
>      b) their location? even in general terms (USA, France, or Alabama?)
>      c) what about for calls that are not answered? when the phone is off?
>         when the phone is on and you just don't pick up?
>      d) what about for outgoing calls you have made?
> 

Can't keep up with all the features the new phones have.  I haven't seen
anything that can do any of the above (and remember, when the phone's
off, it's *off*.  Can your radio play when it's not on?), but mobile
phones seem to be competing with personal computers in the "who can
advance faster" game.

> 3. How trackable are mobile phones?
>      a) when they are on?

They're essentially little radios.  I imagine if you can pick up their
signal locally and triangulate, you could pinpoint the phone's location.

>      b) when they are off?

When they're off, they're off.  Can't track anything that isn't
transmitting.

>      c) with or without the "mobile network's" help?

No idea if the network can do it.  I doubt they need to.
 
> 4. Answering machine-style services. Are they common, or standard? 
Ah, something I've used a bit more often.  I've run into them a lot. 
Even my parents use one.  They seem to have the same features.  Play
messages, delete messages, etc.  Basic functions.

What
>    info, if any, do they tell you about the caller? Can the network
>    provider find out more?

I've never run in to any that says anything other than "One ... new
message... is in your Inbox.  To listen to the first message... press...
one...."  Still, I can't imagine why someone couldn't implement caller
ID with a answering service.  It would just be unwieldy.  "First ...
message... from... 4... 1... 2... 5... 5... 5... 1... 2... 4... 3...
<click>"  Talk about wasting time.  
 
> 5. Do mobile phones work outside the area that they were purchased for (as
>    long as there is coverage by some network provider)? So if I buy a
>    phone to use in Chicago, can I use it freely in Boston, San Fran, and
>    Paris, Moscow and Taipei? Do I need to set such access up specially?
>

You need to pay for your coverage area.  Check a cellular service's
webpage.  I'm sure they'll have some information on their area plan.  TO
give you an example, my mother's plan let's her call anywhere along the
Eastern seaboard.

I'm not sure if it's different for incoming calls though.
 
> 6. Ceasing service. How easy is it to cut off a mobile user through the
>    service provider (ie. authorities tell the company to stop A from
>    making any calls)?
>      a) if A stays in the local area?
>      b) if A travels to another state?
>      c) if A goes to another country?

Same thing if it's in the caller's service plan.  I imagine it's as easy
as cowing the provider into doing what you say.  Whether or not anyone
has done so is another question altogether.

>      d) in any case, can A receive calls, even if calls out cannot be
>         made?

If his account is deactivated, then the phone is useless.
 
> Anything else I should know? :)
>

Probably.
 
Well, that's my two minor charges.  Back to lurking.

Ysidro
-- 
Penn-Ohio Historical European Martial Arts Society
http://members.bellatlantic.net/~ysidro/pohemas.html

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