Abstract: A network element locating system includes a network element locator and a network element position manager. The network element locator acquires geographical location information and stores it as position data. The network element position manger receives the position data, and provides the geographical location information of the network element in a user requested format. The acquisition of the geographical location information can be made at the time of installation of the network element, using a hand-held GPS device. Alternatively, the GPS device can be embedded in the network element. The position data is transmitted to the network element position manger on request, or whenever a certain type of fault occurs.