Does cell-site data identify the phone’s exact location?¶
No. It places a network event within the service characteristics of infrastructure, usually a broad and irregular area rather than one address.
Coverage is dynamic¶
Antenna direction, terrain, buildings, congestion and handset conditions affect selection. Sector records can narrow direction but are not GPS. Periods without relevant network activity may produce no location observation.
Use proportionate language¶
Describe a device as consistent with an area and obtain specialist interpretation rather than drawing a simple circle around a mast. Corroborate movement with CCTV, transactions, vehicle, Wi-Fi and app records. Even accurate device location does not identify the person carrying it.
Key takeaway
Cell-site evidence supports area and movement propositions within network limits; it does not pinpoint a handset or prove who possessed it.
