if u have blackberry plan activated, then operator can disable certain functions in the bb phone. they have complete control over the phone via the plan provisioning profiles. this is the thing i dont like about blackberry
Very true, I came to know about this after I spent $$$ buying a factory unlocked Blackberry 9700 (approx Rs.30k)
GPS has nothing to do with Airtel....
it works using satellites which have no connection with Airtel.
---------- Post added at 03:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:24 PM ----------
this is why i prefer to buy unlocked phones.
seriously. mobile companies suck to block features on devices which have nothing to do with their own services.
With any other phone this is true, but not with Blackberry. As merc782 said the operator can enable/disable certain functions accroding to their whims and fancies. I had a HTC Touch Pro2 two years ago and the phone gave me the option to select which connection can be turned on or off (eg GPS, bluetooth, EDGE etc.).
Also I would like to clarify that it is the network operator (i.e. AirTel) that has blocked it. I have a factory unlocked Blackberry 9700 (no telelcom operator logo or restriction inside or outside), but the nature of Blackberry service is such that the operator and even your company's network administrator (for those on BES plans) can enable/disable features on your Blackberry phone. The only reason I selected AirTel is that they are the only operator providing a Blackberry plan for prepaid users. With other operators I have to pay Rs.200 extra for a voice plan.
@jaywiz is talking about A-GPS, which I don't think works in India. IIRC, it requires 3G
No, my Blackberry 9700 has a standalone integrated GPS.
I messaged @BlackberryHelp on twitter and I got the following reply in return:
BlackBerryHelp
Your wireless provider is your best resource for this question. ^MD