Do you need a data plan to access GPS?

[kriista1234]

Any UK folk here know if you can use the GPS in the 3G on a pay as you go SIM?

I've had a virgin PAYG sim for a bunch of years now and don't use my iPhone (as a phone) to justify moving onto a data/monthly plan.

Do you need a data plan to access the GPS functionality?

 

[hobo.hopkins]

From what I understand, the GPS will work although a data connection is necessary to download any maps that might be required for Google Maps, etc. I would assume that for any standalone GPS application that has maps already downloaded you would be alright without a data plan.

 

[heisenberg123]

Any UK folk here know if you can use the GPS in the 3G on a pay as you go SIM?

I've had a virgin PAYG sim for a bunch of years now and don't use my iPhone (as a phone) to justify moving onto a data/monthly plan.

Do you need a data plan to access the GPS functionality?

the GPS it self doesnt use data but obtaining a map usually does unless your have the maps stored on the device like the tomtom app

 

[eastercat]

IIRC, iphone's gps uses the cell towers to help with the lock. Have you tried it without the data plan?

 

[PaulyD]

My understand of this is that it will use the data connection to lock on the GPS quicker (as said above) and use it to download maps, however if maps are stored locally and no data connection then it will take longer to connect but do so without 3G/edge

I don't know for 100% though, just how I think it works

 

[Interstella5555]

Correct, your GPS will "work" fine, but it needs data to pull down maps. If they aren't preloaded or without data access it will just show a blue dot on a field of grey

 

[Daveoc64]

My understand of this is that it will use the data connection to lock on the GPS quicker (as said above) and use it to download maps, however if maps are stored locally and no data connection then it will take longer to connect but do so without 3G/edge

I don't know for 100% though, just how I think it works

Correct.

 

[Applejuiced]

Correct, your GPS will "work" fine, but it needs data to pull down maps. If they aren't preloaded or without data access it will just show a blue dot on a field of grey

Exactly.
GPS will work fine without a data plan as long as the maps are preinstalled on your phone like Navigon, Tomtom and other GPS apps for example.

 

[Gav2k]

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It'll work fine I have navigon and it runs without data usage!

 

[NicoleRichie]

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Correct, your GPS will "work" fine, but it needs data to pull down maps. If they aren't preloaded or without data access it will just show a blue dot on a field of grey

I can confirm this. I have had a few experiences in the UK, Japan, and south america where my iPhone would not access the local data network resulting in what is mentioned above.

 

[-aggie-]

My understand of this is that it will use the data connection to lock on the GPS quicker (as said above) and use it to download maps, however if maps are stored locally and no data connection then it will take longer to connect but do so without 3G/edge

I don't know for 100% though, just how I think it works

You are correct.

 

[kriista1234]

That's pretty good to know!

My car was broken into a few days ago and they took my GPS so I was investigating options. I didn't know this would work that easily.

Thanks.

 

[kriista1234]

And to confirm the 3G (not 3Gs) has full GPS, not assisted only GPS or something funny like that?

 

[Interstella5555]

And to confirm the 3G (not 3Gs) has full GPS, not assisted only GPS or something funny like that?

Full, the 2G was the only one without an actual GPS chip inside it.