ct2020

My saga with GPS continues. I have the 'place me in random places or not get signal at all' problem. Previously I had e-mail bell and they said I would have to call Tech Support. I finally got around to doing that (I hate calling big companies) and they inform me that I need GPS in my service plan from them... This seemed really odd to me so I poked around there site and the only GPS Service offered was for GPS Navigation. As far as I can tell that is a Bell branded app available for most of there phones. Nonetheless I was told that without paying $10 a month I couldn't get GPS to work.

So, I would like to ask anyone else using Bell (especially anyone who's GPS actually works) if they have to pay for the GPS option.

xoxid

I got this app bundled with my phone free for 3 month when I bought it. The GPS was not working. In fact, it never worked, and it currently don't work. I live in Canada/quebec, with bell, and it detect me in the US. Amazing.

DaSchmarotzer

I live in Québec, with Bell, and my GPS works perfectly. I pay $25 per month and I don't even have a Data Plan or a so called GPS plan.

I didn't even know this app existed.

nicholas

Hi i have the same problem but I'm not on bell I'm on Telenor Serbia my gps never worked so i send it to repair because there wasn't a single sattelite on the radar .And they said the gps is working you just need maps.I said well i have google maps the gps should work whit them.Them:No it's not gonna work whit google maps.Me:Why it works on evrey other android phone, and the phone can't find a single sattelite.Them:You need maps.I just walked away, they don't know anything about android phones.But any way i installed IGO an NDrive the gps still isn't working.I also flashed every baseband version there is.I don't know what to do.(My operator doesn't offer a maps package )

pedror

Under Settings then Security & Location, confirm that you have Enable GPS satellites checked. You can also have "Use wireless networks" to use wifi/mobile to estimate a location.

The GPS receiver in the phone does not depend on mobile data or voice plans, it is independent just like an automotive GPS. It helps to have an unobstructed view of the sky to ensure reception of the satellite signals.

Try the free "GPS Status" app, which will provide detailed information on the satellite signals seen by your phone. I am in Canada with Bell on the Galaxy and GPS seems to perform much better under the Galaxo ROM than what was delivered on the phone.

ct2020

Thanks pedror. I have done everything mentioned in your post to no avail. I just want to make absolute sure that I am correct in my thinking that my GPS working should have nothing to do with Bell. I believe I am right on that thought now. Thanks all.

weasel

Well, I am not paying anything extra. One thing that has helped some, was going to 1.6.3.3. Google Maps kept starting me off in Quebec until it got a lock on. Wipe and give it a go, can't hurt and the the new galaxo works very well.

ct2020

Using Galaxo 1.6.3.3 and still have the problem.

ct2020

Here is an e-mail I just sent bell. I'll update with their response.

"Hello, I have e-mailed in the past with this problem and was directed to call Tech Support, which I did. They, I am sorry to say, did not know what they are talking about. The GPS on my phone doesn't work properly. Sometimes it will place me in Quebec (I am in Alberta), other times it won't find my location at all even though I am in a clear field, and on few occasions, it places me in the city I am in, but a few kilometers away. Pretty useless... The person I talked to in Tech Support told me because I wasn't paying for GPS from Bell it wouldn't work. The problem is anything I can see from bell is for a GPS Nav app. I have an APP (Google Maps) to use. GPS is built into my phone. There is no reason why this shouldn't work. In deed I have confirmation from other Bell users with THE SAME PHONE that GPS works and they don't pay for your $10/month GPS Feature. Between the lack of GPS, the smoke and mirrors of tech support and the fact that my phone is stuck on Android OS 1.5 while the rest of the world moves onto 1.6, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 and the new features each of these introduce, I am very upset. I hope we can find a mutually acceptable solution."

GreenApple

I have a GT-i7500L from Bell that I unlocked and use on Rogers. I do not have a data plan and I use the GPS with Google Maps. If I load the map over Wi-Fi and add our destination, the GPS works with no other apps or data. I only have to turn on the GPS using "Switcher". This is my first smart phone and I would pay for a GPS app but I have not had time to try some from the market.

I know this is not related but does anyone have any tips for accessing Wi-Fi at Safeway or Starbucks? I can connect and open the browser to accept their terms but I am not able to get through the next step of the process which seems to be a re-direct of the browser. If there is another post on this topic, please let me know.
Thanks.

DaSchmarotzer

Hi,

for the starbucks question, I have no idea what the solution might be, I never even tried.

But I might be able to help you with your GPS issue, as I don't have a data plan either. You can download the free application Andnav 2 and download maps from different sources to the phone, so you can use it on the go (no need to find a wifi hotspot). You won't be able to search or get a route without wifi though (I'm not sure), and downloading maps can be complicated.

I also heard of the paid application Sygic (they have a website), which I think downloads the maps onto your phone so there's no need for data. I never tried it though, so you might want to verify what I'm saying.

ct2020

And here is Bell's Response...

ood day Mr. Whitney,

Thank you for using Bell Mobility's Internet Client Care service.

My name is Chrissy (Emp# 6037143).

I have read your message and upon review of your handset, I wish to
inform you that the Samsung Galaxy comes standard with the following
applications:

- Gmail,
- YouTube,
- Google Search, and
- Google Maps.

However, if you would like to have GPS on your account, you will have to
subscribe to the $10 per month GPS NAV feature. I invite you to reply
to this message should you wish to add this feature to your account.

I would like to thank you, Mr. Whitney, for using our website and for
choosing Bell Mobility as your wireless communications provider.

Additional information can be found at www.bell.ca and we can be
contacted again at www.bell.ca/contactus.

Kind regards,

Chrissy (Emp# 6037143)
Bell Mobility - Online Client Care

informale

I suppose they want to sell you some sort of subscription-based navigation software of their own.

__________________
Samsung Galaxy GT-i7500 Firmware Central
P.S. I am annoyed by people asking without searching first and people asking if they should do a backup Nothing personal.

ct2020

That's my guess as well. I sent them another e-mail asking them to tell me exactly what this feature does.

weasel

I call bullshit. They don't know what they are talking about. Like I said before,I and many others are using GPs witout any extra monthly fees. Hell even my wife's Omnia II does Google Maps just fine.

IIRC, the GPS Nav they are talking about was for turn by turn directions on your phone. You might want to explain to them its kind of impossible to use Google Maps. It is clear that you have a problem with your GPS sensor.

Try and download a few GPS apps. GPS test or something of the sort will help. At least you will know how many satellites and what signal strength you have.

ct2020

I have GPS Test and it can find one satellite and doesn't get a location from it.

It seems pointless to tell Bell this, as they will just say it'll find more satellites by some magic when I give then ten more bucks a month. /sigh

velnaykkar

For those having issues with GPS loc:
Settings >> Location >> "Use Wireless Networks" <== is this checked?

ct2020

I`ve tested it both ways.

odnaan

ct2020... Same problem with me... My GPS doesnt work.

ct2020

Have you contacted Bell? What do they say?

dri001

I have a Galaxy GTI7500L as well. The GPS was very bad when I first got the phone. After I upgraded to 1.6 using DaSchmarotzer"s tutorial, I had no problem with it. Android 1.6 came with the updated Google Maps and Navigation included. They work great.

ct2020

Are you with Bell Mobility

Do you pay extra for it

dri001

Yes, I am with Bell Mobility. No I don't pay for it. The updated Google Map application and the Navigation app are part of the 1.6 update. They use your data allowance. There is no charge otherwise.

dri001

If you are on Bell Mobility you should be able to access the Wi-Fi through a network called "Bell Hotspot". I was in Starbucks and I latched onto it without a user id or password.

ct2020

Thanks for the info. Still waiting on a reply from bell.

ct2020

I am getting so sick of Bell and the crap they try to shovel at me. I called Tech support again today. The first line they tried feeding me was that Location Aware Services aren`t launched for this device yet. I cited that I had talked to numerous people who use this phone and GPS and have it work for them. Then they went into the GPS Nav $10 a month BS. I was armed this time though:

http://www.bell.ca/web/wireless/en/all_regions/pdfs/Handset_en.pdf

I gave them that link showing that it doesn`t work on this phone (Second page, under GPS Navigation, it lists Google Maps). They sent me to another page saying yes, I need the $10 a month GPS Nav feature:

GPS Navigator- Bell

I said that the page doesn`t say anything about unlocking GPS Hardware and that it is only an app for maps and traffic update. They said nope, for $10 a month this will unlock your GPS Hardware so it works. I got them to click on the link on that page that says Highlights. And then on the new page where it says: *Find out if this service works with your mobile phone or smartphone. And guess where they ended up. My original link stating that their stupid $10 a month GPS Nav thing does not work on my phone!

In the end the lady at tech support was speechless and useless in solving my problem. They refuse to accept that the phone is BROKEN.

dri001

Are you still using Android 1.5 on your phone? If yes, you may want to consider upgrading it to 1.6. There is an excellent tutorial by Schmarotzer on how to do this. It is the thread for Bell Canada and Brazil users of the Galaxy phone. You will then have access to the updated Google Maps, Navigation and you will probably find the GPS works better. Mine had a major improvement after the update.

ct2020

I`ve ran vanilla 1.6 - same problem
I`m now running Galaxo 1.6.3.3 - same problem.

dri001

Sounds like a hardware problem for sure. I would take it back to the Bell Store. Just make sure you flash the original firmware back on the phone. They won't honor the warranty otherwise. I keep the original stored on a USB stick just in case. Hope it works out for you.

weasel

I concur. I would even take it so far as to take to someone like Wireless Web. They deal with Bell, Rogers etc. A lot of times the independent dealers are more understanding. I would go back to 1.5, delete everything off the phone that is non stock, wipe it again and re-try. If it doesn't work, go to the independent. I really doubt it, but I hope that somehow during the flashing of roms the gps got bricked.

Best of luck.

weasel

I don't know if this will help, but I found this:
GPS

• *#*#1472365#*#* – GPS test application.
• *#*#1575#*#* – another GPS test application. Can show SV info and Position info once you get a GPS fix.

ct2020

I`ll check those out.

odnaan

I have the i7500L but its unlocked. I am using it with Fido. I am also using Android 1.6 JC6 firmware. It could just be a device problem? It also didn't work with Android 1.5 stock from Bell.

eric2k

You are not alone with the GPS issues on the Galaxy.

On my bell i7500L I just flashed the PDA part to JC6. (CSC/bootloader/phone are stock). I can not get gps satellite locks. I can go back to the stock bell rom. No difference. Go to galaxo. Same thing. I just get 1500m wireless tower locks which suck.

Last edited by eric2k; August 24th, 2010 at 05:43 PM.

odnaan

Maybe on firmware JB2 it works? Anyone try that firmware?

max_mctn

Bell user here in New Brunswick, I don't have a GPS plan on my phone but Google Maps does pinpoint my location and I can give it an address and it will give me directions, but not turn by turn navigation.

weasel

If you upgrade to 1.6 ( or Galaxo ) there us an update for Google maps. Much better map and there is a navigation app to go with it. You can get turn by turn, but its just a list, nothing like what you'd find on an in-car gps or something like that.

jschrauwen

Hoping I'm not jacking this thread but I'm looking at getting a new Vibrant. As my noobness understands it, it comes with the new 2.2 Droid.
Will it also come with Google Maps? In other words will I be able to have turn by turn navigation without having to buy into the Bell Nav Plan?
If so, do I have to do any extra downloading of apps for this?
I'm looking to acquire the phone through The Source which seem to be more customer friendly in my queries than the local Bell Phone Center and they offer a few extra in-store perks that Bell doesn't.
tia

weasel

You are correct, you do not need the Bell Nav Plan. Google Maps should be pre-loaded. You might want to inquire in the correct forum to be sure.

jschrauwen

Thanks for that.
I made a bit of an error I think. Apparently, Froyo 2.2 isn't the OS but rather it's still the 2.1 Droid that's still being offered with the current Vibrant.
Is the Google Maps still part of the 2.1?

weasel

It should be. Google Maps was offered with the galazy ( I7500L ) with Android 1.5. If, for some odd reason its not there, you could always download it from the Android Market ( its free ).