Verizon's Version of GPS: For Renter's, Not Owners

Convenience Costs

After realizing that it was going to cost more than I initially thought for the GPS unit, I decided to look into Verizon’s VZ Navigator service. The idea is that Verizon wireless customers can use their cell phone to provide GPS-like information. A GPS unit built into a cell phone would be an awesome feature and killer app. After a trip to the local Verizon store, here’s the lowdown.

-The service is limited to Verizon wireless customers. If you use Cingular, Sprint, or T-Mobile, you’re out of luck for the time being. OK, I’d have to switch, but it still may be worth it. I will have to factor that in as Verizon is a bit more expensive than my current plan. Don't forget about the $35 activation fee either.

-The service is limited to a limited number of cell phones. The most inexpensive one that supported the service was a Samsung for $39.99 after some rebate offer. I’m anti-rebate lately, but still no deal breaker yet.

-The service costs $9.99 per month, or $2.99 for each 24 hours of use. I’m not sure which the better (or worse) deal is. After the two year contract at $9.99 monthly, we’re up to over $250 when you factor in the overpriced wireless taxes on this. Even if I use it on the daily plan for only 10 days per year, it’s still over $60 after two years of use. This is hardly inexpensive.

-When the locator service is in use, minute charges apply. What!? So if I wanted to use this when I drive for a 10 hour trip that’s going to use up 600 minutes! I could use up the entire monthly allowance of included minutes after one day of driving with the locator on. My interest is rapidly waning.

-The service is limited to the enhanced Verizon area. From the map I saw, it looks like most of the major highways are covered, but there are substantial portions of the Western US that will leave me ready to get lost. Gee…GPS covers the whole planet, this leads me to believe that there really isn’t a GPS chip in the phone. This really is based on enhanced wireless services, and not the global positioning system at all.

Add in that you can’t make or receive a phone call while the navigation feature is in use. Also, consider that the small screen on the phone, that is going to be difficult to mount in a readable position for driving. When you add this up, I think it’s clear that we’ve got a lot more marketing hype than the real feature of a GPS chip in a phone.

I’ll keep looking for a dedicated GPS unit at a price point I'm comfortable with. Maybe one day cell phones will have GPS chips in them, but that day has not yet come. Clearly, Verizon’s offering is intended for someone who wants to overpay to not own anything. You know, renters, not owners.

--Jonas