GPS/Maps not working

[JeremyM]

I have Galaxy S20+ with EE SIM Only. Everything works fine except GPS/Maps which is slow to update and goes into "Searching for GPS" hang mode. It renders using maps as at best  useless and at worst dangerous. 

Yesterday I took my sim and put into my son's Galaxy S10 and I took his Vodafone sim and put in my S20. I went for a drive. Maps on my S20 with Vodafone sim  worked perfectly keeping up with progress of vehicle and never losing signal. My sons S10 with my EE sim lost signal and froze on  "Searching for GPS". Mid journey I swapped back. The poor GPS/maps performance followed the ee SIM card. 

I spoke to EE - they updated some services on my EE sim remotely but the issue still persists. Can anyone throw light on this issue?  It seems the Sim is effecting the GPS application as the problem persists with Google Maps and Waze 

[bristolian]

Hi @JeremyM 

GPS is an entirely separate technology to the mobile network, so I don't believe that's the cause of these issues.

It's feasible that data connectivity issues may have been a cause here - did the EE "phone" have coverage throughout these drives? You've mentioned the EE-based phone losing signal at one point, that could feasibily cause the device to "get upset".. technical term!

[JeremyM]

Thanks for the response @bristolian. I think what you are saying is that general wireless  connectivity would be the issue with EE sim. I don't seem to suffer from general connectivity issues as phone calls and non wifi net access appear to be fine. The connectivity only manifests itself when on the road with google maps. I will persevere but ultimately I may have to change network - which is a pain as generally EE are OK for everything else. A mystery! 

[Leanne_T]

Hi @JeremyM

Thanks for coming back to the community. 

It may be worth speaking to our Tech Gurus again on 150 to run through some further troubleshooting and let you know what they can suggest. If this follows the SIM card they may send you a replacement SIM card.

Let me know how you get on 🙂

Leanne. 

[JeremyM]

Leanne_T

I ordered a replacement SIM and did the test on the replacement SIM. Same problem. I think it might be something to do with SIM connectivity. I will give a call but not so hopeful. 

[James_B]

Please let us know how you get on @JeremyM

James

[JeremyM]

I am on the support line now. @James_B - it is long wait!

[JeremyM]

@James_B - the support line says there is nothing they can do. It is a mystery. I am going to get another sim from another service provider. If that works I will move my account over to the new provider. 

[James_B]

I'm sorry they weren't able to help @JeremyM

As @bristolian mentioned, GPS generally works independently of your mobile data connection, although your phone's location services may use the mobile network to help estimate your device's location.

Do any of the tips in this thread from the Samsung community help?

James

[JeremyM]

James_B

The Samsung Community seems to have lots of issues with GPS. If I had not tried my phone with my sons  vodafone sim and put my sim into his galaxy S10 - where the issues seems to go with the sim, I would be concerned that this is a Samsung problem. But the GPS performance on my Samsung phone was perfect with my sons sim.... his phone GPS performance was pants with my sim. 

Anyway I have ordered a new Sim from another provider and I will test that. If it works, I will port my number across and move away from EE - I have been a customer from when it was "Orange"  so I will be sad to go but...... needs must.