Verizon phones can now run Trimble Outdoors

The title of this post (and the details in the message below) would be AWESOME, if it were actually true! I received the email from Trimble Outdoors yesterday. I was very excited--I've wanted to use their software for some time. However, it would not work on the Verizon network. Apparently, Verizon Wireless locks the GPS on your Blackberry so that you can only use Verizon's software, at a monthly fee of course. How's that for customer service!

Anyway, back to my story. I downloaded the Trimble software and spent about 4 hours over the last couple of days trying to get it to work on my Verizon Blackberry device. I called the vendor (who was very nice), Verizon, and the security department at my company assuming there was something I did wrong with the configuration. Nope, nothing wrong. I finally received a notice today from the tech support at Trimble Outdoors letting me know that their products do not work on Verizon Blackberry devices. 

So is this a marketing screw-up? Or does technical support not have a clue? Who knows. All I can say is... shame on Verizon Wireless for disabling this capability. This is a Verizon Wireless problem--an attempt to shut out competitors. 

Now that I am thinking about it, I wonder if there is a civil lawsuit here? If Verizon is consciously disallowing third party vendors to use the GPS capability, isn't that creating a monopoly for themselves? If there is anyone out there interested in starting a class-action lawsuit against Verizon Wireless for disabling GPS capabilities for third party applications, please post a comment and let me know. If there is enough of us, I will facilitate the next steps.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Trimble Outdoors <newsletter@trimbleoutdoors.com>
Date: Mon, Jan 26, 2009 at 3:00 PM
Subject: Verizon phones can now run Trimble Outdoors

Trimble Outdoors is now available on Verizon Wireless
Response to your inquiry

Hello,

A while ago you asked us if the Trimble Outdoors application was available on Verizon Wireless. Today we are very pleased to say "Yes, you can now run Trimble Outdoors on your Verizon phone".

With Trimble Outdoors, you can now use your phone as a full featured GPS navigator and trip journaling tool for hiking, backpacking, fishing, and other outdoor activities that allows you to:

• Inspire yourself and save time
• Save weight and money
• Find your way fast
• Stay relaxed
• Impress friends and family

Get going with Trimble Outdoors on your phone today!

Click here to check if your phone is supported.

Learn more about the Trimble Outdoors phone application.

The Trimble Outdoors team