GPS satellites orbit the planet to pinpoint locations anywhere in the world.
Though GPS and GPRS have similar acronyms, they are used to perform completely different tasks. Both technologies provide essential services to citizens, but their origins, management and evolution differ.
Functions
GPS (Global Positioning System) is a system of satellites put in place high over the Earth's surface, which allow for GPS receivers, like those in cars, planes or phones, to identify location. GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is a service that transfers data other than voice calls between mobile devices.
History
GPS was originally a project of the military in the 1960s, and the first network of satellites became operational in 1978. GPRS services were first offered with the advent of 2G mobile phones, to allow for text messages, pictures and other non-voice data to be transferred between mobile phones. However, GPRS services are now considered obsolete due to the advent of 3G mobile technology, which improves on the speed of transfer between mobile devices and the payment plans.
Implementation
GPS systems work via the satellite signals sent and received. A GPS receiver will bounce radio waves off of 3 of 24 orbiting satellites in the United States' GPS network and then interpret its location or distance from a desired location from this interaction. GPRS still uses radio waves, but as opposed to bouncing them off of satellites, the radio waves simply transfer data needed by the mobile phone user directly to them. GPRS uses cell towers located on Earth, as opposed to orbiting satellites.
Tags: between mobile, radio waves, advent mobile, between mobile devices, GPRS services