Do you need to see the sky for gprs to work?!?

Question

like on my iphone 3g, should it be able to find my location when i'm indoors? how does gprs work?

Answer 1

GPRS is the predecessor of 3G Internet. GPRS is not the same as GPS.

General Packet Radio Service or GPRS is a packet data oriented Mobile Service which allows you to transfer huge amounts of data from a mobile phone to a network. In simpler terms, it allows you to go online in your phone using your network carrier/sim card. This doesn't require direct sky-to-phone contact, but it just requires you SIGNAL.

GPS however, is Global Positioning System. It requires you to be outdoors or have a direct contact with the sky (windows, balcony, roof perhaps?) as the electronic signal comming  from the transmitter (the iPhone) will be unable to pass through solid objects. In simpler terms again, imagine that your phone is a flashlight. You want the light to reach the sky.