[Msan]

Ok, I just got a Blackberry 8703e from Bell Canada and am confused about the GPS functionality.

I have read several threads here and it seems to me like the 8703e "should" have GPS...

I took the unit out of the box, activated with my BES then upgraded to the latest firmware thats posted in this thread right after that.

If I look in BB Maps, I can't select any GPS device.. just says NONE

Am I missing something here? Do some providers actually disable the GPS somehow?

[juwaack68]

Yes, some providers do disable the GPS. Not sure about Bell, but Verizon does it in the US.

[Msan]

"If" Bell disables it by default, is there any way to enable it? Can they enable it on a case by case basis?

[juwaack68]

Sorry, I don't know.....have you called them to ask them?

Perhaps someone with Bell will chime in here.

And, before the Verizon GPS bashers chime in - DON'T. Let's keep this thread about the OP's question, not let it become yet another thread on Verizon's GPS.

[Dawg]

I think I did read that Bell disables the GPS as well thats not 100% as I am recalling from memory

[vaz]

I have a 8703e w/Verizon. What you need is a bluetooth GPS receiver to go along with your BB. You would then sync up your receiver and BB using bluetooth. Your location will then be displayed on BB Maps (Google Maps in my case, I tried BB maps, Google is better)

There isn't a built in GPS receiver in the 8703e. (as far as I know)

I can't speak to GPS capability being disabled or not, but I am pretty sure you need a separate receiver.

I purchased a Holux BT GPS receiver just the other day, synced the two up and it worked like a charm.

Good luck..

[Dawg]

Originally Posted by vaz

I have a 8703e w/Verizon. What you need is a bluetooth GPS receiver to go along with your BB. You would then sync up your receiver and BB using bluetooth. Your location will then be displayed on BB Maps (Google Maps in my case, I tried BB maps, Google is better)

There isn't a built in GPS receiver in the 8703e. (as far as I know)

I can't speak to GPS capability being disabled or not, but I am pretty sure you need a separate receiver.

I purchased a Holux BT GPS receiver just the other day, synced the two up and it worked like a charm.

Good luck..

actually there is a GPS built into it, Just doesnt work

[bvandrasik]

I don't know if Bell disables the GPS hardware or not, but try this:

If you installed the Verizon 4.2 OS, the installed BlackBerry Maps wont see your GPS receiver. Delete it from your device (Options->Advanced Options->Applications). Then install OTA from http://www.blackberry.com/devicesoft...y.do?code=maps

[BBSpike]

I have an 8703e with Bell also and the GPS is disabled. There is no option to turn on the internal GPS, you need to use a Bluetooth GPS puck. Bell is trying to push it's Telnav like $10/mth navigation service I think. It is not available for the 8703 yet, just the 8830.

[tsac]

I use a GPS pod with my 8700c. I downloaded the Blackberry Maps from RIM and it works great. The option to activate a GPS pod did not work until i set up the pod to work with the BlueT on the BB. Reguardless of the reason the internal hardware does not work, this should bypass it. I'm on a BES and have restrictions on 3rd party software loading but because the software if loaded from RIM directly to the BB via DT manager when online with RIM it should be ok. I cannot load google maps because of the corporate security restriction so this was the next best solutiuon. As for accuracy of directions, it is very accurate because it works off the internet. The pod cost about $100. There are some very useful links on this site with information on using pods. do a search.

Good Luck

[raulberry]

it works like you said thx just the address is not the same http://www.blackberry.com/devicesoft...y.do?code=maps
but works fine

[Alan1984]

I have a 8800 and it works fine

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