I spoke to Verizon today to discuss returning my 8830 because of the crippled GPS.

The billing person said that it should be included with my plan so she had a tech talk to me. The tech started by showing me how to get directions in the MAPS application. I said that wasn't what I was talking about. Then the tech had me go into Advanced Options and was going to have me set the "GPS Services" to "Location On" (which I already had set). I informed the tech that it was still not functioning. Then the tech said she would transfer me to RIM. I advised her of the discussions that have been happening on the internet about this and that the other carriers have the GPS enabled. The tech asked if there was anything else and I said now and ended the call.

10 minutes later, I received a callback from the billing person. She said that they had spoken to RIM and there is a patch that is coming out for all 8830 devices in the next two weeks which will enable the GPS capability (without additional charges!)

I am skeptical since the Sprint 8830 is already able to use the GPS.
What is the device software version on the Sprint 8830? Is it available for download?

Now, I am less than two weeks away from the end of my first 30 days in which I can; return the device, get a refund, and not receive the "Early Termination Penalty". I told the billing person that I did not want to risk that the GPS enablement information was wrong and be stuck with the device. She offered to extend me an additional 30 days so that I can see if the GPS gets enabled. I've now got to the middle of August.

So, I will wait to see if their information is accurate. If not, I will be switching over to Sprint's 8830.

I don't know if I should trust Verizon.