GPS - Works free?

flipper2008 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-31-2008, 11:43 PM

I have been reading many of these threads for the past few days and I'm very excited about the HTC Touch Pro (Which I'm still waiting for next week to arrive at our office) apparently Sprint is waiting for a new shippment to come in on Monday. I have been using Palm 700p for the past 2 years and we have the PCS Vision plan (I think that is what it's called with free internet access).

After reading the threads, I have one question about the GPS which im not sure about. The sales rep for our company said it's an additional cost for GPS use, is this true or once I load a custom rom or google maps It should work?? I looked around on the site but didnt find anything saying if its free or not.

I just want to make sure I will be able to do 'whatever' without incurring additional charges just for GPS. Not asking a stupid question I hope.

I can't wait for the phone, which hopefully by next weekend should be in my possession. Not sure how long it takes to ship. (Ft Lauderdale, FL)

stevedusa · #2 (**permalink**) 12-31-2008, 11:46 PM

If you use the Sprint/whatever Navigator that comes with your phone yes they will charge you for that.

However if you download Google Maps, even Microsoft Live Search, those will cost you NOTHING to use the GPS.

Remember, GPS provides the location of your phone which is free, but it is up to the application/provider to decide if they want to chanrge you for utilizing the GPS with their software.

VibrantRedGT · #3 (**permalink**) 12-31-2008, 11:53 PM

It depends on what Vision plan you have. If you use Sprint Navigation depending on your plan it may be an additional $9.95 a month. If not you can use Live Search or Google Maps again depending on your plan. Many of us have a Simply Everything plan which is just sick. Other than minutes everything is simply unlimited. BTW, Sprint Navigation program works so well I sold my portable Garmin GPS on ebay. Love that you can call in the address if you do not want to type it which works great when you are driving (never type and drive). You will love the Touch Pro. I am not really a slider fan but I adapted pretty quickly and digging the phone a lot.

**Baffles** · #4 (**permalink**) 01-01-2009, 01:25 AM

GPS is always free regarldess of plan, at least on Sprint. The only thing that will cost you is Sprint Nav, if not included in your plan. Google Maps/Live search will cost unless you have unlimited data, but most people have data anyway.

Bigguy819 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-01-2009, 01:30 AM

I have the Touch Pro with a data plan. You WILL NOT be charged extra for GPS

**[sammich]** · #6 (**permalink**) 01-01-2009, 01:48 AM

Everything said above is correct. Let me see if I can help you understand even more.

GPS itself is a free service by nature.
Google Maps is free software.
Using Google Maps with a GPS enabled phone will give you free mapping.

When people say you have to 'Pay for GPS' that is normally incorrect, because the carriers try to blur the line between hardware and software. They say 'Navigation' costs money to try to make you think that you have to purchase THEIR service in order to get GPS capablities.

So basically, if you have a GPS enabled phone [whose GPS chip is unlocked, like Sprint's Touch Pro] you can use any FREE mapping software [i.e. Google Maps, Microsoft Live Search, etc] to get FREE navigation and mapping.

You get charged when you use Sprint Navigation, which is software.

flipper2008 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-01-2009, 03:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevedusa

If you use the Sprint/whatever Navigator that comes with your phone yes they will charge you for that.

However if you download Google Maps, even Microsoft Live Search, those will cost you NOTHING to use the GPS.

Remember, GPS provides the location of your phone which is free, but it is up to the application/provider to decide if they want to chanrge you for utilizing the GPS with their software.

Thanks Steve, that is exactly what I wanted to hear

flipper2008 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-01-2009, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VibrantRedGT

It depends on what Vision plan you have. If you use Sprint Navigation depending on your plan it may be an additional $9.95 a month. If not you can use Live Search or Google Maps again depending on your plan. Many of us have a Simply Everything plan which is just sick. Other than minutes everything is simply unlimited. BTW, Sprint Navigation program works so well I sold my portable Garmin GPS on ebay. Love that you can call in the address if you do not want to type it which works great when you are driving (never type and drive). You will love the Touch Pro. I am not really a slider fan but I adapted pretty quickly and digging the phone a lot.

Sounds good, but thru my company, we get all our phones free so I just wanted to make sure there was nothing additonal, which is great to hear!

FYI --- What is the story with the FM radio, it works in the touch diamond but not on the Sprint Touch Pro if I understand correctly??