How exactly does GPS work on supported phones with at&t?

[blurredvision]

I'll be getting my first phone with GPS built-in tomorrow (the Samsung Eternity), and I have no idea how it works. I've read certain info about having to sign up for a data plan as well as some TeleNav plan, but I'm confused on if this is only for the updates/voice directions.

So, plainly put, will I be able to use the GPS on my new phone in any form or fashion without paying extra? Or will it require extra cash to be paid to at&t before I'll get anything that even resembles a map on the screen?

Thanks.

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

Most maps are not stored on the phone itself but is streamed when the GPS chip requires it. The GPS chip will find where you are, but will need to correspond with the AT&T servers to load the maps for your locations.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: ChAoTiCpInOy
Most maps are not stored on the phone itself but is streamed when the GPS chip requires it. The GPS chip will find where you are, but will need to correspond with the AT&T servers to load the maps for your locations.

So is there no way to download maps to a MicroSD card and have the GPS get the map data there?

 

[uli2000]

Dont think so. The only phones Ive seen w/ offline mapping (maps stored on card) have all been smartphones (Windows Mobile and Symbian).

 

[Matilda]

What kind of maps does AT&T's GPS use? I usually just use Google Maps, as they use Tele Atlas maps (which are what I use on my TomTom).

 

[Cobalt]

TeleNav (AT&T Navigator) works pretty well. I have it on my Pearl 8110 and now my Bold. You need the data package which is $10 a month (first 30 days free) and the internet package. So on the Eternity its $25 (MEdia Net + AT&T Navigator) to use the nav. On a smartphone or blackberry it would be $40. Thankfully I don't pay for it so it's definitely worth it. I have an iPhone as well and the TeleNav is more convenient to use since it does speech input, etc and its turn-by-turn. Honestly its not a bad price and worth it if you use it. I have used it very frequently lately, works very well and you don't have to pay for a standalone unit.

 

[Semidevil]

I might be wrong, but can't the op buy the garmin maps in a microSD card and just use that? that way, he only pays once, and there is no data plan involved.

I thought some phones allow for that.

 

[WelshBloke]

Originally posted by: Semidevil
I might be wrong, but can't the op buy the garmin maps in a microSD card and just use that? that way, he only pays once, and there is no data plan involved.

I thought some phones allow for that.

Originally posted by: uli2000
Dont think so. The only phones Ive seen w/ offline mapping (maps stored on card) have all been smartphones (Windows Mobile and Symbian).