Question : How to trace a phone without installing the software?

I have recently lost my iphone and had none of the software installed previously like instamappa or ihound that would have been able to trace it for me. I have phoned it and it is still switched on so there is a possibility I can still find it. I have looked online at a few text messaging services but of course without my phone I am unable to text back as they require, for the security purpose. I can however view my messages online with bluebook but the message alerts I receive in particular are not displayed. In calling up my service provider they have said there isn't anyway to track it which I think is untrue with what I have read online. Therefore is there anyway that I might be able to trace my phone without texting back or an online service that might help me text back to the small UK alert messaging numbers. Indeed if there is another method I have not thought of to obtain a trace please let me know.

Answer : How to trace a phone without installing the software?

Of course you can trace it... But, usually the police have to initiate the trace.  Further, consider the COSTS involved.  Your provider would have to dedicate resources to retrieve the phone - it's more economical for them to have you buy a new one.  Further, even if they do trace it, most have privacy policies that would require the police (as mentioned before) to initiate the call - may stink now because it's your phone, but many people would otherwise like to track down girlfriends/boyfriends for the wrong reasons (I've seen questions like that asked here).  It would cost more in time and resources to investigate every claim of a lost phone than to tell you report it to the police - THEY can do whatever they want about it

(At least that's my understanding of this).