Verizon Wireless has been named in a class action lawsuit alleging that the wireless giant wrongfully and unfairly deceived purchasers of BlackBerry model 8830 smartphones. The suit alleges that Verizon intentionally disabled the devices' free, built-in global positioning systems (GPS) then offered a proprietary Verizon fee-for-service GPS.

You can read about it here and see a copy of the complaint:

CyberLaw - The Technology Law Firm

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CyberLaw - The Technology Law Firm | Suit Challenges Verizon on Blackberry GPS | Verizon, Initially, Hardware, Features, Builtin, Disable, Service

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Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8800/4.2.1 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)

Can't wait to see how this plays out

My gosh there are lots of things that these devices could do but have been disabled. I think this is laughable!

I am betting on Verizon and RIM winning this one! Unless they promised or misled the buyer in thinking that they had GPS, there is little merit to the case.

If the particular funtion was not listed as working when you purchased does not mean they have to give it to you free!

Where do I sign up?

The salesdroid who sold me mine said it did. I specifically asked. I'm willing to bet this wasn't a rogue salesperson making up these lies.

GPS does work. It may not do what you want it to, but it does work. I think this suit is another waste of time and money.

... and so the flame war begins, again. Bravo.

And we don't double post threads here out of courtesy, even if you are trial lawyer.

**Threads merged. So sue me. **

In the interest of free debate, keep the posts to merits of the case that has been filed. If you haven't read the case, how can you comment?

Other posts may be deleted if not pertinent to this topic.

Derogatory posts about trial lawyers are not welcome but not discouraged.

From the web site and charges: "The issue is not whether Verizon has the right to disable hardware features; they unquestionably do have such rights. The problem is the fashion in which the features were advertised. If a feature on an open market piece of hardware is modified to a consumer’s detriment, the modifier must make the announcement of the modification loud and clear to allow the consumer to make an informed decision. Verizon did not make such announcements and consumers received a phone less valuable than that which could have purchased on the open market.



The suit will likely resolve when Verizon offers minimal concessions to its 8830 users, but Verizon could have avoided this type of publicity by modifying its marketing practices "


makes sense to me. But who am I to say? I went with Sprint and have no such issues!

At least now the lawyers will be busy. Some publicity, and now legal action, about this is better then no publicity at all.

BTW, I have socks and shoes for those of you who said you'd eat them if this ever made it to an actual lawsuit. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Edit:
That was a good read... a long one, but a good one. Best part, the Justin Timberlake ad at the bottom. lol

JR, all that has happened is a lawyer has filed the paperwork. It is not in court, yet. No "class" has been determined. A judge has likely not even seen it yet.

Please keep this on topic, not on childish ya-ya-yas.

I didn't say it was in court. I said "legal action"... last time I checked filing legal paperwork was considered "legal action". You're not a lawyer are you? I'll keep quiet now and smirk in the corner. Happy Holidays

You can file suit for anything, no mater how stupid.

I suppose it's up for interpretation by a judge if it makes it that far. There is no mention in VZWs materials about GPS capabilities other than their VZ Navigator product. That's clear to me -- GPS for VZ Navigator use. Anyone who has been a VZW customer for any length of time knows not to expect the full generic feature set of a device. Not that I like it, that's just the way it is.

it is sad though isnt it? I mean, everyone says that VZ is the *best* network and all.

I guess it's all open to interpretation. Caveat Emptor ?

waste of time and money.... And I did read the complaint and I see Verizon coming out on top.

Subscribed--for when this thread gets out of hand.

I guess so.....

Knock off the flaming. I will close this thread in a heartbeat if it gets out of hand. Let's be adults here, please.