Updated Punters getting themselves a BlackBerry Bold from Orange are finding the in-built mapping application absent, and are being asked to pay for the Orange alternative despite the original adverts clearly stating the in-built app would be included.

The adverts in question appeared on the Orange website, and used to clearly state that BlackBerry Maps were included on the device, which is advertised as an alternative to Apple's iPhone. Since punters started complaining that text has been removed from the site, leaving a suspicious gap, but not before it was snagged by one disgruntled customer:

Now you see it...

...now you don't

Owners who've tried to download the application direct from BlackBerry are reporting that it won't install, claiming an unsupported firmware version, while those contacting Orange are being directed to download their own mapping package, at an additional cost.

Some Bold users are resorting to Google Maps, with its limited functionality, while others are just remaining lost and complaining to the Advertising Standards Authority. Orange won't respond to our requests for clarification, beyond promising that they're looking into it and will be back to us real soon now, and if they ever do we'll be sure to update you. ®

Update: Orange has been in touch to say they are very sorry, and are working with RIM to get Blackberry Maps enabled, so everyone with a Bold on Orange will be able to access the Maps application, they just don't know when.

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