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This is a question that is being asked by many BlackBerry users. There is obviously a lot of confusion about this topic. This confusion is mostly caused by the network carriers who bundle BlackBerry devices with their BlackBerry plans (including voice plans, data plans, and so on). Sometimes you can even subscribe to a “GPS plan”.

Now you’re completely confused, right?

So let’s keep it simple:

1. GPS itself is free for use: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GPS
2. GPS itself is just a technology for telling you your position on the world. Which actually means: you get an “X” (Longitude) and “Y” (Latitude) value in degrees and maybe the height - depends on the signal strength. That’s it.
3. A GPS position is nice, but you cannot that much with it.

Many BlackBerry devices (current ones: 8110, 8310, 8800, 8820, 8830) come with a built-in GPS receiver which can obtain your device’s location on the world. That is for FREE! (”free” as in “free beer”)

So what are those companies like Verizon charge money for?

All of those built-in GPS receivers are so called “A-GPS” receivers. The “A” stands for “Assistet” and means that obtaining the GPS position is assisted by the network carrier’s access points via cell mast triangulation. We could get more detailed here but it is not necessary. Network carriers may charge for this kind of service. Moreover, network carriers have the possibility to disable several functions and features of BlackBerry devices on their network. Verizon for example deactivated the internal GPS receiver on devices like the Verizon BlackBerry 8703e and 8830. If you want to get GPS access (which means you can use the actual free GPS service along with the “Assistence”) you need to subscribe to their GPS plan. This GPS plan also includes the right to use software applications that make more from your GPS position.

Remember: GPS is just the location (X and Y).

This just this location you cannot do that much. Most of the time you want to see your location on a map. So you need a mapping program to view your location on a map. Most mapping applications download the maps from the internet on the fly. This “download from the internet” is quite similar to just browse the web with your BlackBerry browser and it will use your data plan. Depending on your plan, on the application you are using and on the intensity of your usage this can result in an expensive phone / data plan bill. Now just imagine what it might cost if you are roaming outside your country.

However, most applications are rich in features and I personally like to use them. Some without maps even don’t take usage of the data plan and are therefor free if you have a BlackBerry with a normal unlocked GPS reciever (8110, 8310, 8800, 8820). Here are some of my favorite GPS applications:

• Spot
• Google Maps Mobile
• MobileTracker (no mapping, just recording where I went - read more…)

So take care of what you are using. Hint: it is very easy to track if your BlackBerry is transferring data by checking the top right corner. It will show two arrows (up and down) when data is transferred. So this always means: it costs you money or at least takes usage of your data or BlackBerry EMail plan.

Summary:

1. GPS does not use your data plan.
2. Maps use your data plan.

Bluetooth GPS receivers: Carousel: BlackBerry Compatible Bluetooth GPS Receivers!

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