Help GPS usage and cost!

[renegadeandy]

Hey guys.

Just got my wonderful magic with my girlfriend, 24 month tarrif 600 mins unlimited text - unlimited web (500mb) of course - both of us exactly the same.

Now, does the GPS usage i.e the google map locate me functionality and any other GPS functionality on the phone cost me money per month if I use it, or is this something which is always free?

Thanks

Andy

 

[devolio]

As far as I know (and I may know incorrectly,) - GPS is entirely free of cost. I don't have a cellular plan at all and it works just fine.

Welcome to the forums

 

[renegadeandy]

I see - its just because I spoke to vodaphone (uk) and the guy was like, gprs costs per month, but claimed it was

 

[killer3160]

i have never been charged for gps since i got my g1 the first day it came out in usa so i doubt u would get charged

 

[renegadeandy]

I just dont see how they would manage to clarify usage - because no data is sent only received, they cannot actually do anything because no data goes via vodafone - any UK customers on the same contract who can clarify this for me!

 

[deepdroid]

Well, GPRS is a data protocol that may indeed cost money. GPS on the other hand, without the R, is the satellite based positioning system, that doesn't cost money. Then again using Google maps does use up some of your data plan for transmitting the map images; while finding out about the "raw" position data does not cost you anything.

 

[renegadeandy]

Ahh - i think he may have therefore misheard me and thought i said gprs - makes more sense.

Nice so I can use the internal gps antennae without cost => awesomeness.

 

[Bethbaby]

Hi there. I'm a brand new Magic user too on the same plan as you renegadeandy. I'm a bit vague on the "free" usage too! I used to have a BlackBerry which required an extra

 

[dustoff]

Hi Beth,

You are getting the same functionality - Vodafone are just offering it up for free now. As more and more people are using mobile internet these days it's an incentive to go with them instead of the competition.

My wife has a crackberry and she's still paying an additional

 

[Bethbaby]

I loved my BB curve,... I thought it was the bees knees.... until I saw the Magic!!! I just love it!! I love android market and all the cool but pointless apps you can get for FREE!!!
But the best thing about the Magic???.... I got

 

[jsysh466y]

GPS is definately free (work for voda). The easiest way to think about a blackberry is that it comes witha license due to using blackberry's services as well as the networks.
The HTC Magic now has to come with Internet included, this may include paying extra on the tariff but it can not be sold without. Therefore if the same 600+ul txt is avail for

 

[confiq]

The question is, what is fair usage?
Do you guys know how much bandwidth you spend over the month ?

 

[dapaintballer331]

It depends on your carrier and location. I've never been charged using AT&T in the US

As a developer, I know we can choose to only use gps providers that are free of cost. Some apps may ignore this "Criteria API", and use a provider that may charge money.

Some apps you're safe with regardless

 

[sheyuid]

you can turn off the wireless networks for "location", it will locate by satellites signal, no cost. But it need download the map, then will cost some data transaction.

 

[punkzanyj]

It depends on your carrier and location. I've never been charged using AT&T in the US

As a developer, I know we can choose to only use gps providers that are free of cost. Some apps may ignore this "Criteria API", and use a provider that may charge money.

Some apps you're safe with regardless

GPS is free. The provider is the US Air Force 50th space wing.

 

[kabbie_mcfeely]

GPS is free. The provider is the US Air Force 50th space wing.

You are right, it is free to use the GPS all over the world.

What cost is conecting to internet for map data and other info.