[1.1.4 (1.1.1 OOTB US/1.1.2 Apple)][Google Locate] Strage results only with T-Mobile

**volkspost** · 03-17-2008 10:34 AM

I have a strange behavior of Gooles Locate function here I'd like to share, maybe someone has an idea.

I have two iPhones to test/play with. One is OOTB 1.1.1 (US) the other one of Apple/T-Mobiles 999 Euro iPhones (factory unlocked) they had to sell for a short period in Germany. Both are on 1.1.4, the OOTB 1.1.1 via iPlus 2.0b the other the regular way.

I do have two simcard here, my standard contract o2-DE simcard and one from T-Mobile (Xtra card, prepaid).

Same behavior on both iPhones testing with both simcards inserted or even without any simcard in the iPhones.
Apple partner Skyhook did a pretty good job in Hamburg, Germany, almost any wifi-location is in their database.

When I use the o2-DE simcard or even no simcard in either of the iPhones, the location is found almost accurate to the meter, meaning exactly. Only when inserting the T-Mobile simcard Google Location just shows the area of Hamburg, see the picture.

I Know that in first place the feature relies on the accurancy of the wifi networks in Skyhooks database, then in second place it tries the triangulation with the cell towers.

But why could a T-Mobile simcard inserted give worse results than an other or even no simcard in. Why is, when T-Mobile simcard inserted, obviously no wifi-result used?

I know I dont need Navizon or Locate Me, but even they dont help with it.

Any thoughts, ideas?

confused

volkspost

**Pentium** · 03-18-2008 01:41 AM

really confusing...

I have no idea...

so it's working better on a non-iphone network in Germnay?!

**volkspost** · 03-18-2008 03:11 PM

Originally Posted by Pentium

really confusing...

I have no idea...

so it's working better on a non-iphone network in Germnay?!

Hi Pentium, same as with your GPRS problem. I dont know why.

Google Location relies on Wi-Fi in the first place. If this does not work, it tries to triagulate with the help of the cell towers. WiFi is super accurate here as long as I dont use a T-Mobile simcard. Even with no simcard in the iPhone it works perfect.
Had a friend here yesterday, he is on a T-Mobile contract (non-iPhone) - same problem.

too many secrets ;-)
volkspost

**Pentium** · 03-18-2008 03:17 PM

yeah...! so it's working with the iPhone contract...and not working on non iphone contract??

**volkspost** · 03-18-2008 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by Pentium

yeah...! so it's working with the iPhone contract...and not working on non iphone contract??

No, the results are not as good when using a T-Mobile simcard, either prepaid or contract. Google Location works exactly as described when using any other simcard or none - at least where I am based in Hamburg - too funny

volkspost

**Pentium** · 03-19-2008 03:02 AM

very confusing then, is this happening only with you here?

cause it supposed to work more accurate then!

**volkspost** · 03-19-2008 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by Pentium

very confusing then, is this happening only with you here?

cause it supposed to work more accurate then!

Yea, I was hoping for someone on a T-Mobile contract in Germany trying to Locate function with the simcard in and without any simcard. Check if there is a difference. In big cities like Hamburg/Munich/Frankfurt Wi-fi coverage through Skyhook should be working.

volkspost