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Dec 05
Friday
BlackBerry General, BlackBerry Infrastructure
Verizon Enables GPS? Yes!
Comments December 5, 2008 – 07:29 | Permalink | Print This Post |

gpssatellite_vzw
gpssatellite_vzw

We’ve learned from three Verizon users now that their GPS is unlocked on the 8130 and 8330 devices. Apparently this occurred just yesterday with no fanfare or notice from VZW.

Long a gripe among Verizon customers, I have to wonder if this began with the opening up of the GPS first on the 9530 Storm? Last night, users on OS 4.5 began reporting to me that on upgraded OS 4.5, BlackBerry Maps was indeed able to locate the user on those devices running OS 4.5+, and I am waiting to hear from an 8830 user on 4.5.  Try it out, test it and post your comments below.

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  • Joey Sanders
    It has also been confirmed that the 8830 using OS 4.5.0.77 also has the GPS enabled for BlackBerry Maps.
  • Man Child
    Works on 8330 using 4.5.0.97. Now they need to enable it for ALL GPS applications and I'll finally be happy.
  • DavidB
    8830 running 4.5.0.101. Verizon. BBMaps working as flawlessly as it ever did on my old Nextel 7100i! Tracks beatifully on V's faster network downloading maps. It even is getting satellite fixes INSIDE when close to windows!!!

    Google Maps 2.3.2 does NOT work.
  • Stuart
    Ditto, DavidB.

    8130 running 4.5.0.89. BB Maps works great (now that I've re-installed it).

    Google Maps 2.3.2 gets a position "accurate within 2300m" (i.e. tower triangulation), and says "Waiting for GPS" but never gets a GPS fix.
  • Mark
    Yes. I tested it out today when I saw this post (via Viigo, by the way). BBMaps works great. Google Maps doesn't work with the GPS yet, although it does see that it's available. I'm installing .101 now...
  • mm
    yes, definitely works on 4.5.0.77. Works great. Need to change GPS settings in advanced options to from the default which is "911 only" to "Location On"
  • David
    It's only enabled for BB Maps. No other mapping program (other then paying for VZNav) apparently works with the semi-uncrippling that Verizon just did.

    So if you have the newer models and the latest firmware, you can use BB Maps with the built-in aGPS. You still need an external bluetooth GPS to use any other GPS enabled BB app.
  • Malcolm
    Great news, but when will 4.5 on the 8830 be available thru Verizon?
  • MichaR
    NEGATIVE !

    When trying it here in Phoenix, AZ on my

    BB Curve 8330 OS v4.5.0.77 Verizon, get the ERROR.

    Service Attuorization Erre: Please cal *611 to verigy that you are provisioned to use VZ Navigator [15]

    which is the way it was before it can be activated for only $9.99/mo

    with Google maps already installed it is not worth it for me
  • great post,i like this.
  • Richard
    Yes and it will tell you have fast your driving which is cool. I usually get between 9-13 sattelites. Also I suggest you all give google maps a try, esp. latitude.....but it is not true to spot unless your in the perfect spots. I have VZ nav for one of the 4 lines other than my bb so i have used it on the blackberry and its extremely accurate. I have another problem with radio randomly shutting off, so argh...


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