[REQ] CBS | Cell Broadcast Service | Cell info | Neighborhood/Locality name

---

CELL INFO is a handy feature I've taken for granted in Nokia phones - even the most basic models. I've seen "cell info" option in Windows mobile as well. The main use of this is that it shows the neighborhood or locality name. I always assumed that it was the name of the cell tower in that area (of the operator). I've also seen promotional messages being pushed through this cell info at times. I don't remember seeing any cell info on nokia while I visited USA. I am pretty sure it's widely used everywhere else.

This Cell info is broadcasted as CBS (Cell Broadcast Service) message by the cell towers and received by all the GSM phones connected to this tower on certain predefined Channel (generally 050) by most of the service providers. (link)

Unanswered threads about cell info on android:
Cell Broadcast service - Android Developers | Google Groups
Cell Broadcast service in android - Android Developers | Google Groups
Is there a broadcast intent for cell network (not wifi) state changes? - Android Developers | Google Groups
cell broadcast in android | xda-developers
Looking for CMAS implementation - Google Groups

I've noticed Sense phones have a check box to enable Cell Broadcast, and also select a numeric channel. I've never seen it work.

I am lookiing for a program/widget that uses CellLocation or NeighboringCellInfo API to show the location name.

I did find a related article on it... DOJ: No need for warrant for cell location information

This exists on symbian since long

---

This capability is quite old and taken for granted on Nokia, Sony ericsson and other symbian phones. Look at this...



The cell name or neighborhood name is G-6 Islamabad and the network/service provider is Telnor PK
__________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

(source)
Here the phone company is TDC and the Cell info is ESPLANADEN 4D
__________________________________________________ _____________________________________________


Phone company is EUROTEL - C7 and Cell info is WELCOME TO PRAGUE
__________________________________________________ ___________________________

Phone operator - VODAFONE NL, Cell info - REGIO 013

Phone operator - TURKCELL, Cell info - KUSADASI

Phone operator - TELESTET, Cell info - EKTOS CITY
(source)

Interesting. I wonder if less information is available about cell towers in the US. I've only ever seen towers identified by a CID (presumably Cell ID) and Cell LAC (Location Area Code according to googling). These appear to only be numbers. My current cell is 20012/8408*. There are a couple other numbers as well. I don't really understand what they are.

I can see this using Antennas or Cell Tower Locator from the market.

There are a variety of services that convert these to location information. One of them is built into the Maps application that you may have on your phone. Turn off GPS in settings, and watch the Maps app still locate you. Just, not as accurately.

There are a host of apps/widgets in the market that will give you an address from the OS-provided location. That location is available as coarse-grained and fine-grained. Coarse is network-based. Fine is GPS-based.

The carrier information is available in Settings->About Phone->Status.

EDIT: My phone has an option to display the carrier on the lock screen. However, I'm not sure if that is stock or due to the custom ROM I'm running.

Later,
Gino A...

* Yup, I just told the world that I'm sitting in downtown Cleveland. Figured I'd save the conspiracy-theorists the trouble of tracking that done and calling me a fool for posting it.

Here's some information about Cell Broadcast Service (Cell information / Information service)



And this is what I'm talking about in Australia:

Stuart.Preston said: Just to add, channel 50 in Australia is used for the same thing. On most networks (e.g. Telstra, Optus) area information (e.g. "Darling Harbour", "Opera House", "Domestic Airport") was displayed, which in my opinion is better than the area code! On New Year's Day in Sydney - various cells broadcast "Happy New Year 2005!"

(Source: HowTo: Display the "area code" on a Windows Mobile 2003 device in the UK (Vodafone))

This is pity.. no one has the answer to this ..!!

Hi it's 2012. Whats the scene with Android and Cell broadcast service?

On another note, it's sad in one way Nokia has laid off it's Qt programmers and abandoned Symbian the last month or so.