Mr. Schwed:
I am a loyal Verizon customer who is very aggravated that the BBNav software that COMES in YOUR cell phones is disabled. I refuse to pay for Navigation that Verizon provides, when BBNAV came with my phone and is part of the reason why I chose this Blackberry. Why does Verizon block the internal GPS in the Blackberry? It’s not because Verizon doesn’t support 3rd party programs, because BBNAV comes with the phones Verizon Wireless sells. It’s not removed, or hidden as a matter of fact.

Although Verizon may provide a good network, I’m getting more and more frustrated with the little nuances of poor customer service that I’m receiving from Verizon, and am considering moving my loyalty elsewhere. Unless, of course, you can say there’s a plan to unlock the internal GPS in Blackberry’s and you can tell me how to go about getting that done.

I look forward to your reply.

Well his secretary CALLED me just now! I sent the email an hour ago! She said the same thing you guys posted… that 3rd party GPS software doesnt ask you first if you want to be located… whereas VZW does. so then she said “you specifically mentioned BB NAV… we are working with them to ask you first if you want to be located… once that implementation is in place, we can open the GPS for BBNAV only. I dont know when that will happen”

So i said “Here’s my issue more than the GPS being blocked…. BB users with Verizon are forced to either pay 10 bucks a month for the service, or have no GPS service. When i had my Voyager, i could pay 2.99 per use if i wanted. That’s not an option for us as Verizon has to activate VZ Nav from the office…. I cant enable it from my phone. So with that said, here’s a customer suggestion…. Blackberry users should either get the service for next to nothing, or free since you blocked the BB version of it. I understand why, as you claim, that Verizon blocked it, but then give us some sort of break by having to use yours.”

She put the suggestion in…. we’ll see what happens. I was shocked they actually CALLED me!

But the downside (and there always is with Verizon!!) you need to purchase a data plan.

Note: I tried to post the image link, and the site won’t let me? here’s what is says:

Only new PDAs/Smartphones devices launched on/after November 14, 2008 will require data feature / plan of $29.99 or more.

Pay as you go, 1x block and 10mb data plan / feature not available for new PDAs/Smartphones devices launched on/after November 14, 2008.

A system edit will prevent new PDA’s/Smartphones from having Pay As you go, 1x block or 10MB data / feature

In 2009, select Mobile Web 2.0 devices will also require a data feature/plan.

The following will be included in the new magalog: Devices with HTML web browsing capability (including Blackberry, Windows mobile, Palm, and select Mobile Web 2.0 devices) require a subscription to either a voice plan or a feature that includes an allowance for sending or receving data, or a data plan.

Btw, even with the free Navigator now.. I don’t use it. Why? because it sucks. Slow, buggy, a memory hog (and leak) and a poor interface. You’re better off spending that $10/mo on a tom-tom device - they work better and interact better.

I also got that same nonsense reply at first about “we carefully test all applications to ensure your safety, blah, blah, blah and 3rd party apps can give access to intruders, etc..” I told them “umm, isn’t VZ navigator a 3rd party app? the phone is made by RIMM and they include a Maps program designed for the phone.

I Googled for something completely different, but found your page…and have to say thanks. nice read….