Why does Verizon lock their GPS?
 

MapQuest has a cheap navigator feature but I can't use it because Verizon is like the only carrier I know of that locks the GPS so I can't use it.

Wirelessly posted (8830 WORLD EDITION (ALLTEL): BlackBerry8830/4.2.2 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/106)

Greed

because they can?

Exactly. If you don't like crippled devices then certainly don't give VZW your money.

OMG here we go again.

Actually, keeping the subject fresh and informing potential users might put some minor pressure on Verizon. Okay, might not but then again....

It's about money. It always is. Verizon will sell the service, but not give it away. They're the big boy as far as carriers go, at least in the northern U.S. That gives them some pricing power a smaller player like T-Mobile doesn't have.

I agree. Verizon claims that they're doing this to maximize security for GPS users, which is true and great. BUT, they should at least give their customers the "option" of using their service, or someone else's. Like how they crippled bluetooth a while back and the music playing/downloading features (you couldn't get or play music unless you use the "get it now" from verizon). I think verizon has great services and features...but as long as they keep practicing these types of restrictions, i will never be a customer of theirs.

Verizon isn't the only one. From what I understood, I think Telus? in Canada locks the GPS in their Pearl 8130 to their subscription nav program as well.

Not again....

looks that way it just wont go away. Comes back around every month or two.

I tell you I LOVE at ATT 8310 Red with it's GPS and Google Maps. It's amazing... Way better than a crippled phone on Verizon. Just jump ship especially now that for every month you've had your contract on verizon they take away like 10-15 dollars off your EFT!

So why does Google Map GPS work on the Verizon BlackBerry and the other programs don't?

Its not any better, its just your impression. One feature doesnt make it any better than the other. You just like it better is all.

Loosing GPS should never be a reason to leave a superior network. My daughter has a ATT pearl. Hers isnt any better than mine except mine works where hers doesnt. We havent been any where that mine doesnt get a signal. She cant use hers in our house she has to go outside to use the phone.

Its using cell phone triangulation not gps

Makes sense, that's why the accuracy is not that great. I just returned to Verizon from ATT and am so glad I could now that Verizon has an international BlackBerry. ATT coverage is horrible, can't even get signal at the Kansas City airport, spotty in my house as well in the metro. ATT has gotten better, now they are only 10 years behind Verizon's coverage.

And it's horrible It had me located in SF Bay a few times. :x

yes its horrible. I don't have any map programs on my device at all. I use a proprietary GPS device for my GPS needs. I use my phone for phone needs. My father taught me along time ago use the right tool for the job.


Edited: After talking with JSanders I wanted to clarify my position on this. I used "true" to mean a proprietary device (Garmin Street Pilot)meaning thats all it does. I don't want anyone to be mislead on this. The GPS inside the unit is a true GPS.

I'm just happy with ATT because since I switched I haven't been anywhere without service and at my very remotely located fire station ATT gets service and verizon doesn't and there is a verizon tower right in town (4 minutes driving to the tower) and it can't reach the station. I use my GPS on my bb more than I ever thought I would and it makes me happy. Oh and my bills cheaper on ATT! Don't know how I swung that one. I think in California for many of us ATT vs Verizon doesn't matter because California is saturated with towers.

The GPS on the 8310 is "true" GPS. (y)

If you were a carpenter, would you never use the claw to pull a bad nail, because it is a "hammer" and not a "nail puller"? ;-)

It's true GPS, just as the phone function is truly a phone. Remember, BlackBerry was built as an email device, and the phone was added later, but I bet you use the phone also. Or do you still carry a real phone for that? :razz: