Why nokia does not provide API to get the LAC of the cell location

I try to use Nokia N78(S60 3rd FP2) to get the cell id of the current mobile network. And I find Nokia provide below API to get the MCC, MNC and Cell id:
MCC: System.getProperty("com.nokia.mid.countrycode")
MNC: System.getProperty("com.nokia.mid.networkid")
Cell id: System.getProperty("com.nokia.mid.cellid")

But Nokia does not provide the API to get the LAC(Location area code), so I'm very confusing.
Why Nokia does not provide the API to get he LAC? Except for the LAC, just get the MCC, MNC and cell id is useless.

Actually Nokia does provide a system property to get LAC through System.getProperty("com.nokia.mid.lac").
But it's only available from Series 40 5th Edition FP1 onwards and if the MIDlet is signed in operator or manufacturer domain, unfortunately. [url="http://wiki.forum.nokia.com/index.php/TSJ000964_-_Series_40:_System_Properties_in_Operator_and_Manufacturer_domain"]This article[/url] has the information.

[QUOTE=bogdan.galiceanu;524937]Actually Nokia does provide a system property to get LAC through System.getProperty("com.nokia.mid.lac").
But it's only available from Series 40 5th Edition FP1 onwards and if the MIDlet is signed in operator or manufacturer domain, unfortunately. [url="http://wiki.forum.nokia.com/index.php/TSJ000964_-_Series_40:_System_Properties_in_Operator_and_Manufacturer_domain"]This article[/url] has the information.[/QUOTE]

So my confusing is:
In S60 3rd FP2 platform, since Nokia provide the ability to get the MCC,MNC,Cell id, why not provide the LAC ability? Are there some technical issue that prevent Nokia to get the LAC?

i want 2 knw how can i calculate the cell id on a hand held device using j2me...or any other platform

What do you mean with "calculate the cell id on a hand held device"? First, there's nothing to "calculate"; the cell ID is a fixed value set by the network operator for each cell tower (basestation). Second, al "hand held" devices do not have cellular connectivity; just cellular (mobile) phones.

Hi, guys, you have deviated to another questions. My questions are:
In S60 3rd FP2 platform, since Nokia provide the ability to get the MCC,MNC,Cell id, why not provide the LAC ability? Are there some technical issue that prevent Nokia to get the LAC? or Nokia do not want to provide this feature to the developers.

[QUOTE=petrib;525018]What do you mean with "calculate the cell id on a hand held device"? First, there's nothing to "calculate"; the cell ID is a fixed value set by the network operator for each cell tower (basestation). Second, al "hand held" devices do not have cellular connectivity; just cellular (mobile) phones.[/QUOTE]

Hi Guys

I am unable to get cell network information on CDMA phones. I have conlcuded(pretty sure) that we need to query
SID, NID, BID..
[url]http://supportforums.blackberry.com/t5/Java-Development/How-To-Get-Cell-Tower-Info-Cell-ID-LAC-from-CDMA-BB-phones/td-p/34446[/url]

but I am unable to know which midlet key (System.getProperty) gives SID, NID & BID information.

Thanks for ur help in advance...

rj12info

@rj12info_nokia, Which device are you targeting ?

Regards
Gopal

Hi Bala

I am targetting s40 phones alone.

rj12info_nokia, Ok, but which Edition / device model in Series 40 you are targeting ? That would help us to give you more clues.

Regards
Gopal

Hi balagopalks,

I am targetting Nokia 801T
[url]http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_801t-4391.php[/url]
[url]http://www.developer.nokia.com/Devices/Device_specifications/801T/[/url]

FYI I am targetting all CDMA phones.
Kindly let me know if there is a Java code to get location of CDMA phones based on cell network.

Sorry abt delayed reply.

Thanks
Jayanth

bogdan's answer actually provides some great info, to begin with :
"If a system property string returns "null", the feature is not supported. " So always test on that !
com.nokia.mid.lac Returns LAC as string. This is current GSM location area code (LAC). Device should have SIM card and acquired service to return a LAC value, otherwise returns NULL.
That only applies to devices starting from Series 40 5th Edition, Feature Pack 1
Also note that these values are not supported in all devices !!!!

Other option can be use CBS and get some location info passed by operator cell towers to the device....
[url]http://www.developer.nokia.com/Community/Wiki/How_to_get_cell_information_in_Java_ME_using_CBS[/url]