Those traveling this summer no longer need fear getting lost and having problems finding a gas station or rest stop thanks to various services offered by cellular companies.
Verizon Wireless, Cingular, Sprint and Nextel have services that will help anyone on the road this year get where they need to go, and do and see the things they want along the way.
“[These services are] important to any person planning a summer vacation solo or with family. All of these services can help you enjoy your vacation to the fullest,” said Sherri Cunningham, spokeswoman for Verizon Wireless.
According to a Pew Research Center survey, 47 percent of cell phone owners said they want the ability to access maps on their phones.
In the first quarter of 2006, Verizon customers downloaded 45 million cell phone applications, such as VZ Navigator, compared to 34 million downloads one year earlier, Cunningham said.
VZ Navigator is a GPS system that is only available on Verizon Wireless? LG VX9800, Motorola RAZR and V325 models. Users can receive voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions with auto-rerouting if a turn is missed.
“What?s cool about the VZ Navigator is that because it?s got the built-in GPS, you don?t have to key in your location,” Cunningham said. “The phone knows where you are.”
Cingular?s MapQuest Mobile provides turn-by-turn visual directions similar to what a computer version of MapQuest offers, said spokesman Mark Siegel. Its Tele Atlas application provides real-time traffic information. Both services are less then $5 a month.
Nextel and Sprint offer several different GPS navigator options for users depending on their phone, said spokeswoman Lisa Malloy. One application, Tele Nav, provides directions and finds the nearest gas station, restaurant or business, similar to Verizon?s MG FuelFinder and Vindigo City Guide.
Malloy said she used to print out directions to all her destinations before every trip. “You don?t have to do that anymore,” she said.
Each of the Verizon features requires a monthly fee of $10 or less.
