Can you use GPS without a data plan (without 3G)?

The GPS does not require data but some programs like the maps app require data to display the map. Without data it will show a blue dot of where you are on a blank map. Applications like the tom-tom app store the maps on the device so no data is used.

If there is no data plan the iPhone can still attempt to use data which may run up your bill rather quickly.

You'll be able to see the last page it was on when you connected to wifi but it won't update from that point. The map tends to zoom in a little when it's following so what will probably happened is you'll have a little blue dot on a blank background because new pages won't render. The Tom Tom app works without data so while it's pricey up front, it's pretty nice in the long run.

Do you know whether GPS can use wi-fi? I'm thinking about a case where there is an iPhone with no carrier (like an old 3G, for example). So it has the GPS chip (for location) and wifi access (for maps) but no carrier. Since installing iOS4, this hasn't worked and I'm trying to figure out if this is an iOS issue or a hardware limitation.

bumblebumble wrote:
Hello,
I was wondering if you could use GPS without a data plan (without 3G)? For example, the AT&T no-contract iPhone 4's don't require you to purchase a data plan... Would I still be able to use GPS or do you need 3G to do so?
Thanks!

Whne you connect it to the ATT network a data plan WILL be required, all a no contract phone means is you are not under a 2 year commitment to the wireless service.