You know, I'm kinda on this topic now, but really shifting a bit from Google to just data collection in and of itself. I'm one to be resolved that being a user of technology means that there is data collection happening all the time. Not just from Google or Apple of MS, but the service providers as well. I checked the Privacy Policies and it's all spelled out. All of which I personally am 100% alright with. Then one more step, record retention, popped into my head.
https://articles.forensicfocus.com/2017/04/18/cellular-provider-record-retention-periods/
All cellular service providers retain different types of data for different time periods. When investigating a case, it’s important to know how long you may have access to this data for, otherwise it could be an investigative red herring. It’s also important to note that these retention policies are not written in stone and can be modified by the provider at any time. The retention periods below were provided by each of the 5 major U.S. Cellular carriers themselves on the date of this publication:
Verizon Wireless
Subscriber Information: 7-10 years
Call History: 7 years
Tower Locations as they related to Call History: 1 rolling calendar year
SMS Content: 3-5 days (although I’ve been told unofficially it may be as much as 7-10 days)
Tower Dumps: 1 year
Range to Tower (RTT) Data: 8 days
AT&T
Subscriber Information: 7 Years
Call History: 7 years
Tower Locations as they related to Call History: 7 years
SMS Content: Not Available
Tower Dumps: 7 years
Range to Tower (RTT) Data: 180 days
Sprint
Subscriber Information: 10 years
Call History: 18 months. Bill reprint form 7-10 years, pre-pay accounts only 18 months regardless.
Tower Locations as they related to Call History: 18 months
SMS Content: Not Available
Tower Dumps: 18 months
Range to Tower (RTT) Data: 14-90 days. The technician advised that after 14 days, certain detail in these records is purged, but the remainder is kept for up to 90 days.
T-Mobile
Subscriber Information: 3-5 years. Canceled accounts are purged after account closes.
Call History: 23 months
Tower Locations as they related to Call History: 23 months
SMS Content: Not Available
Tower Dumps: 3 months
Range to Tower (RTT) Data: 23 months. This seems rather long to me, but the technician repeated it on the phone.
U.S. Cellular
Subscriber Information: up to 7 years
Call History: 1 rolling calendar year. Bill reprint: 7 years.
Tower Locations as they related to Call History: 1 rolling calendar year
SMS Content: 3-5 days
Tower Dumps: 1 rolling calendar year
Range to Tower (RTT) Data: Not Available (technician stated would be coming soon).