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See my post below for some answers; I was writing as you posted yours ...

Thanks. As a follow-up, there are existing services that already have this database. So why build another one? Is it because the existing ones aren't open source?

There are a number of other location databases, such as OpenCellID and WiGLE. There are issues around incompatible data licenses for some location databases. Mozilla and OpenCellID have worked together to exchange data going forward. WiGLE's Wi-Fi and cell tower databases is only available for purchase with a commercial license, even though much of the data is collected by volunteer contributors.

The combined Mozilla + OpenCellID cell tower location database is public domain and published hourly here:

https://location.services.mozilla.com/downloads

Mozilla's Wi-Fi location database is not currently published until we can solve the privacy concerns.

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