[pct-l] cell phone/internet coverage and apps for Windows phone

[Rob Flynn]

I used my Samsung Focus (a WP7 device) as a GPS many times last year while 
thru-hiking, even without a cell signal.  The more you use your GPS WITH a 
cell signal, the more it updates the aGPS cache data, and the quicker your 
fixes will be even without a cell signal.  So the key is to use your GPS 
just once while in town and with a good data connection, so your phone will 
update the aGPS cache.  Then, yes, you can use it even without a cell 
connection.  It will take longer (especially if has been a while since you 
last updated your aGPS cache; the data becomes less useful within a few days 
or week, haven't verified the actual time), but it will still find your 
location.

All smartphones have this basic functionality.  iOS, Android, Windows Phone, 
Blackberry, etc.  Some GPS chips are better than others, but for the most 
part any smartphone will give a similar experience.  A dedicated GPS unit 
does have better GPS hardware onboard, so if navigating by GPS is key, then 
you will want one of those.  But, if you just update your aGPS cache every 
time you are in town, your smartphone will still provide acceptable 
performance in the field; I know from experience.

InsGadget