Thread: GPS and AT&T

According to my online research GPS hasbeen available with cell phones for various years. Unluckily, asstated by more as compare to one AT&T customer servicerepresentative, AT&T does not require you to have full usage ofit with their cell phones. AT&T offers AT&T Navigator, whichseems to be focused for use although driving. Only like the nameimplies, it is for navigation, on other services available likeconsiderable. Likely a good service.


Still, it has an extreme crucialshortcoming, specifically for people who like to get away. If thereis no cell signal available then it does not work. If you go hikingor camping and acquire far plenty away from civilization to lose yourcell signal, or multiple tower signals then your GPS will notfunction.


Few phones have the GPS hardwareconstructed into the phone by the manufacturer and AT&T disablesaccess to that GPS hardware thus that the phone can not be used likea primary, nor backup, GPS in remote areas. Do you like to sail? Beforewarned, if you acquire so far from shore the GPS on an AT&TGPS phone will stop working. Do not believe your safety to an AT&TGPS cell phone.

Your complaint lies with their Navigator software and the accompanying paid service. Fortunately there are other options. Many GSM/UMTS handsets, such as my ATT Tilt (HTC 8925) have decent GPS chips under the hood which can be used for no charge on non-ATT software such as Tom Tom as well as Microsoft Live Search.

You basically download and save the maps locally to the storage card or internal memory with the phone. At that point you run the software and use your handset in an area with a relatively clear view of the sky to gain the GPS satellites. Again, depending on which handset you use it works only fine. You did not do sufficient research before jumping in headfirst with GPS on your wireless device unfortunately which phone are you applying, by the way

For something as sailing I would urge a standalone model since they are too cheap now- test for Magellan models on sale now. On a standalone unit you will commonly acquire a better screen that is a much more simpler to work on as compare to you will typically with a wireless phone.

My issue was not, and is not, about what to apply on a boat, nor hiking, nor exploring.... I am one of the old guys that believes in reading the stars, watching the sun & moon, and having a backup to my backup. Any phone constructed and sold like rugged or tough should have GPS chip. I need one in my marine radio, my chart plotter, my GPS HH and my cell phone.

What I like about a GPS cell phone is that it will go everywhere with me except the shower and to bed. Unfortunately, too many manufacturers hide the fact that they do not have a GPS chip. I am not very good at this tech stuff. So I look around and try to learn ab out the items that interest me. I just wish it were easier to find what I am looking for. Again, Pedro, thank you for your response.

There are sufficient of handset alternatives with GPS. It is not as nefarious as you believe it to be. A small because diligence on the consumer part is necessary but people needs shortcuts instead.