The invention disclosed is a location blocking service for use in a
wireless network that tracks the location and identity of network users,
such as networks complying with enhanced 911 standards. The service
provides a network user with the ability to prevent the location of her
wireless handheld device from being disclosed to parties other than the
wireless network provider and PSAPs (Public Safety Answering Points). The
network user blocks the forwarding of location information by signaling
to the wireless handheld device when the location information originates
from the wireless handheld device, or by signaling to the network when
the location information originates from the wireless handheld device or
the network. Primary components of the present invention include at least
one user interface and at least one location block processor provisioned
in the wireless handheld device and/or the wireless network. The user
interface prompts the user of the handheld device to enter the commands
that send the signals to the device or network.