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Abstract

A cellular signaling system and method uses modified RCC signals or spread spectrum signals in an existing cellular telephone system for signaling a situation, such as an emergency or other cellular telephone communication, or for tracking, e.g. shipments or packages. The signaling system includes one or more modified signal transmitting devices, such as beacons, that transmit modified RCC signals that comply with the frequency spectrum requirements of standard RCC signals used in cellular telephone systems, but cannot be recognized by the existing cellular telephone system, or transmit a spread spectrum signal spread across a number of existing cellular channels. The signaling system further includes a modified signal receiver located at one or more cell sites in the existing cellular telephone system. When the existing cellular receiving device at a cell site does not recognize or understand the modified RCC signal, the modified signal receiver will decode the modified RCC signal. The signaling system can then determine the approximate physical geographic location of the source of the modified RCC signal, for example, using a time difference of arrival (TDOA) technique or other similar locating techniques. The signaling system is also capable of taking the appropriate actions, for example, notifying a response unit such as the police or fire department of a situation.

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