Quote:
Originally Posted by daltonxxv
WOW - I'm not sure who brittonx spoke with at Verizon but I've now been on the phone for more than 45 minutes with a variety of their "customer service" staff. I have gotten a manager named "Lawrence" in their "blackberry escalation" department to admin that Verizon has asked RIM to block GPS capabilities on their phones AND that Verizon is supposedly working on an upgrade to VZ Navigator which will allow it to be used on ALL PDA's & Smart Phones. Of course, there will be a charge for this feature.
When I asked about the use of GPS in BBMaps and other "free" third party features, I was told they (Verizon) could put me in touch with RIM who could provide me with the "receiver" required to utilize GPS-enabled services. Of course, Verizon has no idea what RIM's hours of operation are but they were kind enough to tell me that "every time I've connected with them, they've been in Canada and that's outside the United States so I'm not sure what time zone they're in". OMG!
After only 30 minutes on hold with RIM, I'm giving up but I've been assured my account has been duly noted so, when I call Verizon tomorrow or Monday, they will know to transfer me to RIM immediately - somehow I'm not quite believing that but, we'll see.
More to come!
As for BigA's desire to switch to Sprint - just wait until you need even the smallest amount of customer service from Sprint! The only thing that could make their customer service worse is if they joined with Nextel - oh, wait!
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So...I finally got on with Max from RIM. He advised the GPS function is disabled by RIM as the result of a contractual obligation with VZW and RIM is not allowed to enable it. He advised that I am certainly welcome to purchase a separate GPS devise and pair it to my phone.
He did indicate VZW is supposed to be coming out with an update to VZ Navigator which, for a price, will allow you to use the GPS function ONLY with VZ Navigator. So, basically, they're going to hold you hostage and allow you to ONLY use the GPS functionality if you're willing to pay extra for it. WHAT A JOKE!
I guess every provider has their pro's & con's but I find it ridiculous that VZW won't let you use ANY mapping program with GPS - even if they limited it to bbmaps - until their proprietary, pay program is available.
For now, one of the folks I know is working on a way to unlock the GPS functionality on VZW phones -we'll see how it goes.