Network Extender and the Droid

[MNTNBKR]

Your E911 location will still work. That's what the GPS is for on the NE unit. However, for some reason that location info is not available to your phone for agps. The NE works just like a VOIP router with respect to location infor for E911 calls.

[928Droid]

Your E911 location will still work. That's what the GPS is for on the NE unit. However, for some reason that location info is not available to your phone for agps. The NE works just like a VOIP router with respect to location infor for E911 calls.

I am not so sure that is true, while on the phone with Verizon they did a trace on my phones location and it showed me 2 hours away. I find it hard to believe that if Verizon on their own network can't locate me, how the heck can my podunk local emergency services find me?

I have no doubt that when I dial 911 it will go to the correct local service..BUT if I dail 911 and can't speak(or speak enought to tell them where I am) they will not be able to trace my(or worse my wife's) exact location, understand? That's a BIG PROBLEM!

I hate to call 911 and ask them to be sure, they might give me a citation for non-emergency use :-)

[MNTNBKR]

I can't believe that your emergency service would blame you for wanting to ensure the safety and security of your family in case there was an emegrency. I've called 911 for non emergency issues before (witnessing a not so serious accident) and just clearly indicate immediately that your call is not an emergency. My folks have called simply to find out where the nearest dispatch is when they move to a new home. I'd call to make sure. In fact I was going to, but ended up returning mine for the other reasons listed above.

It doesn't surprise me that the Verizon rep sees your location the same as you do, but I'm almost certain that accurate E911 location is a whole different ball game, and is required by law on all phone communication devices.

[928Droid]

I can't believe that your emergency service would blame you for wanting to ensure the safety and security of your family in case there was an emegrency. I've called 911 for non emergency issues before (witnessing a not so serious accident) and just clearly indicate immediately that your call is not an emergency. My folks have called simply to find out where the nearest dispatch is when they move to a new home. I'd call to make sure. In fact I was going to, but ended up returning mine for the other reasons listed above.

It doesn't surprise me that the Verizon rep sees your location the same as you do, but I'm almost certain that accurate E911 location is a whole different ball game, and is required by law on all phone communication devices.

I am sure calling for this purpose will probably be OK, I guess I feel more quilty about tieing up the lines. So I think I will call my Sheriff's Dept and ask them the best way to check this to be sure.

It would also be a good thing to have an official report from the SO/911 service to send to Verizon if there is indeed a problem.

BTW, thanks for the "conversation" on this potentialy serious situation.

[Backnblack]

You cannot use wifi to receive calls on the Verizon network. You could make and receive calls with something like skype, but that is obviously not what the OP wants.

I had when misinformation is spread.

That's why I was asking him...I know you can't.

[MNTNBKR]

Good idea 928droid. If it turns out that your E911 location is indeed inaccurate, it is very serious and Verizon would be smart to address the issue immediately. They could end up with a hell of a law suit on their hands if responders head to a location that is 2 hours away from where an emergency is actually happening.

[brucin]

I tried using a network extender for about two weeks. Unfortunately it was pretty flakey. Half the time it didn't allow me to connnect with either my phone (droid) or my wifes Centro. The droid was constantly switching between the normal tower and the NE for service as well (data indicator would switch back and forth between 1x and 3g) so I was concerned about battery life. And finally, if you're using aGPS for your location, the NE screws that up pretty bad.

I hope you have a better experience with yours.

They work much better if you have little or no signal from a local tower. I've been using mine for 6 months and it is perfect.

[daddyd302]

I make and receive calls on wi-fi all the time..

How are you doing this?

Easy, I have my brother call me while I'm on wi-fi. Maybe it's that 1 bar I'm still getting but, I'm on wi-fi and I'm still receiving calls.

[GiantDroid]

Oh, we misunderstood you. We thought you were making/receiving calls *over* wifi. Sounds like you are just making vzn network calls while also having wifi on.

Yes, I knew that we could do this. We can also browse the internet over wifi while making a call over the 3G network. Unfortunately, can't do both over 3G yet.

[JhankG]

I make and receive calls on wi-fi all the time..

How are you doing this?

Easy, I have my brother call me while I'm on wi-fi. Maybe it's that 1 bar I'm still getting but, I'm on wi-fi and I'm still receiving calls.

Then that has nothing to do with what the OP was asking...